Inflation is hitting Utah’s senior citizens, causing growing need for Meals on Wheels
Sep 18, 2024, 12:00 PM
Inflation has been a big concern for many of Utah's senior citizens, especially regarding the cost of groceries. Duane Hamblin with a meal provided by Meals on Wheels. (Allison Hamblin)
(Allison Hamblin)
SALT LAKE CITY — Inflation has been a big concern for many of Utah’s senior citizens, especially regarding the cost of groceries.
Afton January, communications director for Salt Lake County Adult and Aging Services said there is more demand with existing Meals on Wheels recipients and new needs from seniors who were not on the program previously.
“A greater need for service or individuals who are already on our services whose needs are now more intensive than they were in the last five years,” January said.
According to January, Meals on Wheels delivered more than 400,000 meals in 2023.
“The year previous, I want to say, we delivered roughly 30,000 fewer than that, but every year we’re just seeing more and more individuals who are getting on that program,” she said.
As the need for the program increases they are getting creative to make sure everyone over the age of 60, and who qualifies can have a hot meal delivered.
January said one way they’ve cut the cost per meal is to cut out serving salmon. Despite the cost to feed seniors the Meals on Wheels program helps keep seniors in their homes, which is much less expensive than assisted living centers or nursing homes.
Michele Rowe is a traffic reporter for KSL NewsRadio.
