How the Budget Blueprint Affects Salem and Keizer Meals on Wheels

There has been a lot of news recently about how the White House’s Budget Blueprint will affect Meals on Wheels. While the headlines are dramatic, the budget plan that was released on March 16 is just that – a plan. The final budget has not been approved so little is known about its actual impact on Meals on Wheels.

Marion Polk Food Share is concerned about any budget cuts which impact our most vulnerable citizens, including homebound seniors, and we will be watching closely as the federal budget process proceeds.

The budget plan recommends eliminating several sources of funding for Meals on Wheels programs, but it does not specifically call for eliminating Meals on Wheels. It does call for reducing funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program, which funds some Meals on Wheels meals, falls under HHS, but no specific information has been released about OAA funds.

Marion Polk Food Share is steadfastly committed to our mission of fighting hunger in Marion and Polk counties. We are able to do this with tremendous local support from local donors and volunteers, including volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers.

If you would like to support our most vulnerable seniors during this uncertain time, there are several things that you can do:

–          Support Meals on Wheels with a one-time or monthly donation

–          Deliver or serve meals as a Meals on Wheels volunteer

–          Advocate on behalf of seniors by contacting your local representative