WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Objections raised by Commission on Aging representatives from Branch and St. Joseph counties potentially saved the Meals-On-Wheels and Congregate Meals food programs in both counties after a vote by the health agency board Thursday.
Laura Sutter, director of the Area Agency on Aging for Branch and St. Joseph counties, recommended a 10% holdback in allocated grant funds for five programs until the new federal budget passes.
Sutter proposed holdbacks in Branch County of $38,000 and $52,000 in St. Joseph County.
Pam Riley, executive director of St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, said the proposed holdback would cause significant disruption to services.
If the monthly allocation was in place immediately, St. Joseph County would be forced to cut more than 4,500 home-delivered meals, at least 2,100 congregate meals and more than 120 hours of in-home services, Riley said.
Sutter said Area Agency on Aging only learned of the extent of the cuts for the current 2024 fiscal year when award statements came in late June. Cuts for the meals program were 44%.
For 2025, the federal budget process is projected to be the same as it was this year, Sutter warned.
From where do these cuts originate? Federal or state or county?
The elderly are continually undercut in all life areas.
St. Joseph County COAs offer so much more practical service at low or no out of pocket cost than neighboring counties such as Kalamazoo. Support them at the ballot box and whenever, wherever, however you can.