Community meals cut back 2 days per week

An increase in clients for the Greater Springfield Meals on Wheels has resulted in the community meal program being reduced by two days, and the elimination of one frozen meal for the weekend.

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2016-08-13 / Front Page Community meals cut back 2 days per week By NEIL P. ALLEN mftwmail@gmail.com SPRINGFIELD — An increase in clients for the Greater Springfield Meals on Wheels has resulted in the community meal program being reduced by two days, and the elimination of one frozen meal for the weekend. Meals on Wheels are delivered Monday through Friday and are intended for those who are homebound or unable to prepare their own meals. The community meal, which was four days a week, allows for socialization and a healthy meal. The community meals are now held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The decision made by the board of directors to scale back the meals was announced in early July. “The 10 to 12 people who come each week are upset,” said Jean Pinney, a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program. The decision was made for financial reasons, according to Pinney. “We told them they were coming close to the cap,” said Anile Hood, director of Nutrition and Wellness at Senior Solutions, located in Springfield. “In fiscal year 2016, the demand for meals has increased as the aging population is growing.” Senior Solutions provides funding to the program in Springfield, but “it doesn’t cover the entire cost of the meal,” Hood said. The allocation each year is based on the previous year’s use. The allocation for fiscal year 2017 will be going up slightly, but “there will be no margin for growth,” said Hood. “The funding is not keeping pace with the demand.” Additional funding comes from fundraising, grant writing, help from the town and donations, as well as volunteers, according to Hood. “This is a good reminder for people that these programs need assistance,” she said. “We had no choice if we wanted to avoid being in the red,” said Pinney. “We will have to look at the budget to see if we can bring [those two days] back. “The community meal is nice and people want to come together for them,” Pinney continued. “Our primary clientele are deliveries.” Hood suggested that those who had the means to travel could use the agency’s ‘dining trail’ guide, which lists 24 programs around Windham and Windsor counties that are Senior Solutions partners. “We encourage people to take the trail,” said Hood. “Those who are able to travel can see what’s available in other communities and can explore.” The pamphlet and more information about community meals in Windham and Windsor counties can be found at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org/windsor-county-meal-sites. For more information about the Meals on Wheels program or to make a donation, call Sue Levine at (802) 885-5879.