HOUSTON, Texas – A crucial program that helps feed hundreds of seniors across the Houston area is now at risk.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM Houston) says funding cuts could force the organization to scale back its Meals on Wheels program, a service that provides warm, nutritious meals and wellness checks to seniors who can’t leave their homes.
According to IM Houston, the cuts could impact as many as 300 seniors in Harris and Galveston counties, potentially leaving them without regular access to food by mid-November if additional funding isn’t secured.
“It’s really not easy. I mean, look, the reality is, how do I decide? Who deserves to get their lunch? What kind of decision do I have to make?” Asks Ali Al Sudani, Chief Programs Officer for IM Houston. “Unfortunately, we have to go by the seniors with the highest needs.”
The nonprofit says the funding reductions stem from federal and state-level issues, including a lack of matching funds that normally help local agencies draw down federal dollars.
- In Galveston County, the cut amounts to $200,000.
- In Harris County, another $300,000 has been lost.
Meals on Wheels depends on government sources for about 60% of its funding, and the remaining 40% comes from private donations. IM Houston says community support will be critical to keeping services running for seniors like John Brown, a 73-year-old Air Force veteran who relies on the program.
“It’s a real valuable service, because I know I got a meal coming every day,” Brown said.
The organization warns that its Animeals program, which delivers pet food to seniors, is also in danger if the funding gap isn’t closed.