An emergency grant of $100,000 from the Kansas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services will ensure that Meals On Wheels and Friendship Meals continue to be served in several area counties, including Cowley and Sumner.
The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging had provided those meals to older residents in ten counties through a contract with the nonprofit subcontractor Everfull since 1974. Financial issues for Everfull had threatened to disrupt service of those meals beginning July 1.
The funding will allow SCKAAA to immediately secure alternative meal providers, cover Increased food and delivery costs, and ensure there is no interruption in service for older adults who rely on daily meals for their well-being, the organization said in a statement Thursday.
Approximately 18,000 meals were served at 22 locations in Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman, McPherson, Sumner, Reno, and Rice counties by Everfull.
“We are incredibly grateful to KDADS for stepping in with this emergency support. Our top priority is the seniors we serve, and this funding ensures they will continue to receive the meals they count on every day,” Jodi Whitmore, executive director of SCKAAA, said.
Officials said SCKAAA’s 10-county region includes some of the state’s most rural and vulnerable populations.
“Nutritious meals are a lifeline for many of our seniors, supporting both their health and independence,” sald Secretary Laura Howard of KDADS. “This emergency grant allows the Area Agency on Aging to respond quickly to maintain essential meal services while a long-term solution is developed.”
KDADS and the South Central Kansas AAA said they will continue working together to identify sustainable service models and support partners to restore long-term stability to the region’s senior nutrition program.
