Funding shortage lands 300 seniors on waitlist for Meals on Wheels
Nov 7, 2024, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:20 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 — A program that serves Wasatch, Summit and Utah Counties is falling short on their funding leaving up to 300 senior citizens on a waitlist for Meals on Wheels.
Communications Manager for Mountainland Association of Governments, Johnathon Knapton said Utah’s population is aging and, along with inflation, the money allotted by the state for the program isn’t keeping up.
“I think it’s a problem that’s going to continue as the number of seniors increase,” Knapton said. “You know, we’ve got a bit of an aging population.”
Each year, MAG receives funding from the state, but now it is working on creating a non-profit that can receive donations and sponsorships.
According to Knapton, “$1,600 gets 220 meals. So, not a huge number dollar wise, but a pretty significant meal impact.”
Knapton said the funding from the state each year isn’t enough to cover the growing need. He said the aging population will make this a problem for the foreseeable future.
According to Knapton, 25% of seniors face food insecurity.
The Meals on Wheels program provides more than food, said Knapton. The program also watches over the people they serve.
“One of our meals on wheels volunteers went to go deliver a meal and noticed that the individual who usually answers the door didn’t come to the door like always,” Knapton said. “And so, he called out to her and found that she was inside. She’d fallen and broken her hip.”
Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
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