It’s a program that provides food to thousands of people in need in our community.
Leaders at Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston are concerned that recent layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services could lead to cuts in the program. The need for food assistance in Houston is significant, with hundreds of individuals currently on a waitlist for help.
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KPRC’s Bill Spencer spent the day visiting residents who rely on Meals on Wheels to understand the potential impact of these budget cuts.
It’s a busy morning at Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston. Workers hustle to prepare nutritious meals for more than 4,000 homebound senior citizens and people with disabilities who depend on the program for fresh, hot, and healthy meals. But the service offers something equally important: companionship.
“I think the most important thing that we are providing these people is their companionship and the human touch,” said Ali Al Sudani of Meals on Wheels. “When the driver or the volunteer visits these seniors daily, they are often the only person the seniors interact with during the day.”
Today, Meals on Wheels driver Angelar Jackson is delivering a package as precious as gold to 99-year-old Wilda Berry.
“Hey Miss Berry, how are you doing today?” Jackson greets her.
Wilda, who worked for more than 35 years cleaning houses and has 25 grandchildren, has relied on Meals on Wheels every day for the past 15 years.
“Every day, they bring me my food,” Wilda said.
When asked what she would do without Meals on Wheels, Wilda replied, “Well, I’d be trying to eat on my own, I guess.”
The largest Meals on Wheels program in Texas, Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston relies on more than 200 volunteers to deliver food to 3,200 people in Harris County and 800 more in Galveston County.
60% of the total budget comes from the federal government, while the remaining 40% is funded through donations.
“Are you worried that the budget cuts will affect your program?” Spencer asked Al Sudani.
“I hope there will be no federal cuts to the Meals on Wheels program,” Al Sudani responded. “I call on our elected officials and leaders to recognize the importance of this program.”
This year, Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston is set to serve a total of 1.6 million hot meals to senior citizens, including 84-year-old Mildred Hicks.
Mildred, who battles severe heart disease, says the best part of the program is seeing her friend Angelar every day.
“She’s a blessing. She always has a smile, and we discuss the day, what’s going on, her family, my family,” Mildred said.
Meals on Wheels provides not only hot, nutritious food but also warm smiles and companionship.
“Tell them thank you. Thank you for coming and taking care of me,” Wilda added.
Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston leadership is hoping donations will help keep the program going strong. Volunteer Houston has information for how you can volunteer to help.
If you are in need of food assistance, you can call The United Way Greater Houston helpline at 2-1-1.
