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Budget, Volunteer Shortage Limits "Meals on Wheels" Program

State budget cuts hit hard, says director

Photo by Britt Combs

Due to the shortage of volunteers currently facing the Senior Center’s meals program, residents at Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments have been taking care of deliveries for themselves. Here, Wayne Elliott delivers a hot meal and warm greeting to Mary Morris.

By Britt Combs | The McDowell News

Published: November 30, 2008

State budget cuts mean lean times for one of McDowell's most important services, the "Meals on Wheels" program.
After the legislature funded an additional $2 million to support the various home- delivery meal services throughout North Carolina in the new budget, recent belt-tightening measures have cancelled that.
The McDowell Senior Center's Home Delivery Meals Program (the name "Meals on Wheels," commonly used, is the trademark of a group which is not active in McDowell) serves 200 people daily, with another 63 needy folks on the waiting list, according to Weyland Prebor, director of the Senior Center.
"It's a hot topic right now," said Prebor. "Fortunately, we didn't budget the year on the hopes of receiving that money, so we weren't counting on it.
"This will definitely impact our ability to serve more seniors in our community," he added. "At this point I don't see that money coming back."
The delivery meals program is funded through various sources, he explained, including the state's Department of Health and Human Services Division on Aging and Adult Services, and by the county and federal governments.
"Also," he said, funding comes from "the donations of local sponsors, including many of our area churches."
Those who receive services through the meals program are given an envelope to contribute what they can. He stressed, though, that they are never given a suggested amount. Recipients make their own determination about what they are able to give.
Prebor said that as bad as the budget constraints are, the need for volunteers is the most limiting factor they face daily. Recently, the county agreed to compensate the volunteer deliverers at 50 cents per mile. He said it makes him proud that most volunteers give that money right back in the form of a donation to the program.
He explained that the need and the routes change regularly. If folks want to volunteer, they should call Barbara Walker, volunteer coordinator, at 652-8953.
"If you can't volunteer, or if you can't make the time to do it regularly," he said, "talk to your church about organizing a group to handle a route in turns."
He said financial support was welcome and needed in any amount. Checks should be made to McDowell Senior Center Home Delivery Meals Program. That way, he stated, 100 percent of the donation will go directly to the effort.
Also, he added, due to the strict dietary needs of many of the recipients, food items folks may have to donate might not be suitable. He suggested such items be given to the Department of Social Services Food Bank.
"They have a true need," he said.