July 12, 2016
Michigan Meals on Wheels Facing Cuts Due to Sequester
The mobile meals program that feeds 170,000 southwest Michigan seniors through Meals On Wheels is looking at a budget cut of at least 5 percent by the end of 2013. Meals On Wheels is an important way to get senior nutrition needs met, and for many seniors, that daily delivery is also the only time many housebound seniors see someone during that day. The 5 percent cut will affect as many as 11,000 meals.
Meals On Wheels has faced significant budgets cuts before. Their funding was cut by a staggering 28 percent hit since 2009, and relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts to pay for the meals which can cost between 9 and 15 dollars per person. State funding has, until now, covered roughly five dollars of every meal.
The program is now attempting to raise $75,000 in 2013 via private donations to ensure that all of the 170,000 promised meals can be served to seniors in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.
If you are a Michigan senior concerned about how the sequester may affect your Social Security benefits, please contact me. Together, we can work to ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.