Meals-on-Wheels to feel the impact of federal budget cuts

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Seniors in the community may be concerned that the wheels might come off as a result of the government’s recent budget cuts brought about by sequestration.

The 500 home-bound seniors who depend on “Wheels-on-Meals” provided by the Friendship Center in The Woodlands will definitely be affected by the reduction in federal funding.

“We’re in a holding pattern waiting to find out how much our budget has been cut,” said Anna Claire Croghan, Executive Director of the Friendship Center. “They haven’t quantified it yet, but we know it will be cut. We just don’t know by how much.”

The Friendship Center is concerned that the 500 who have grown to depend on a meal that provides a third of their daily nutritional requirements, will have to be trimmed back.

“Regretfully there’s a waiting list with another 120 isolated seniors in need of a daily hot meal,” said Croghan.

Unfortunately the congregate dining at six locations will also be affected. For those seniors who can still get out, the hot meal served at mid-day will also be included in the budget cuts. For both the home-bound and the out-bound, the socialization is a vital part of providing these meal programs.

“Without the human presence, many isolated seniors experience depression and anxiety,” added Croghan. “These budget cuts are just going to tax other medical and social services in the community.”

The “Wheels-on-Meals” program is in its third campaign to raise awareness and essential funds to perpetuate the program.

“We started these fundraising campaigns during the economic recession, but now it’s going to be more crucial than ever,” said Croghan.

Concerned citizens can contribute by clicking on the link provided. Volunteers are also critical to the success of the “Wheels-on-Meals” program. Volunteers deliver the meals daily throughout the community. With the high cost of gasoline, that’s adding an additional constraint.

“Fortunately there’s a program called RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast. They’ll cover the gas for retirees over 55 years of age, up to 100 miles a month,” said Croghan. “They do this because they see the value in keeping seniors active after retirement, but they’re a non-profit too. We don’t know how much they’ll be affected by the cuts.”

To volunteer for “Wheels-on-Meals” or the many other services provided by the Friendship Center which also includes the congregate dining, telephone reassurance, and transportation, access the home page of the link provided.

The senior demographic is growing. The Friendship Center has seen the need for their services continue to grow annually. We can no longer adhere to a ‘me first’ attitude if we’re going to keep the wheels in our community rolling.