Critical Funding Cuts Jeopardize Home-Delivered Meals & Transportation for Homebound Seniors & Veterans

CONROE, TX -- Meals on Wheels Montgomery County (MOWMC) announced today that major reductions in state and federal funding will force an immediate freeze on new client enrollments and a reduction in transportation rides. This sudden shortfall places the health, safety, and independence of vulnerable seniors and veterans in Montgomery County at urgent risk.

“These funding cuts forced us to take immediate action. This is by far the most difficult decision we’ve ever had to make. We are working tirelessly to fill this funding void so that we do not have to suspend services for current clients the way many Meals on Wheels across the state and country are having to do. We understand that our services are a lifeline for seniors who live alone. Losing even one meal or one wellness check puts their health and safety at risk,” said Carrie Watkins, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels Montgomery County.

The first priority of MOWMC is protecting services for the seniors and veterans who have grown dependent on the organization. MOWMC is committed to avoiding the service reductions that have impacted other Meals on Wheels programs.

MOWMC emphasizes that they receive daily calls from seniors who are desperate and begging for help. “We are at a loss for how to tell these seniors that they will have to continue to wait. They deserve better. Seniors do not have the luxury of time,” said Watkins.

To preserve essential services, MOWMC has immediately begun reevaluating its clients using updated criteria based on urgency and risk. As of today, there are approximately 200 seniors on the waitlist. This number is projected to grow exponentially as MOWMC’s service freeze continues and SNAP benefits run out.

Effective November 3, 2025, MOWMC’s most vulnerable clients will be reduced from 7 meals to 5 meals per week. Additionally, the organization will be forced to cut 500 transportation rides per month.

To offset the funding losses, MOWMC will introduce a pilot meal-purchase program in November 2025.

MOWMC emphasizes that while this is an unprecedented challenge, the organization remains deeply committed to its mission. “This community has always rallied around us, and I am confident this time will be no different. We urge the public to get involved by making a donation or calling your members of Congress,” Carrie Watkins said.


https://mowmc.org/