Meals on Wheels requests $4000 from Cook County for state matching funds

The Cooke County Special Commissioners Court held a budget hearing on July 10, 2025, focusing on funding requests from local organizations, particularly the Meals on Wheels program. The meeting highlighted the unique funding dynamics in Texas, where the state supports Meals on Wheels through the Texans Feeding Texans grant program, which incentivizes organizations that actively engage in fundraising.

John, a representative from the Meals on Wheels program, explained that their organization relies on a mix of government funding and private donations, with approximately one-third of their budget coming from local contributions. He emphasized the importance of local support, noting that the Texas Department of Agriculture considers county funding as a critical factor in grant eligibility. The program has successfully secured funding from both Cooke County and the United Way, which significantly boosts their grant applications.

John detailed the financial benefits of county support, stating that for every dollar received from the county, they could potentially receive eight dollars back from the state, translating to substantial funding for their services. He requested an increase in funding from Cooke County, arguing that the investment would yield significant returns in terms of service delivery.

The discussion also touched on the demographic distribution of services among Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. John noted that while Cooke County comprises 19% of the population in the tri-county area, only 15% of their services are provided there. He speculated that cultural factors might contribute to this discrepancy, suggesting that residents in Cooke County may be less likely to seek assistance.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical role of local government support in sustaining essential services like Meals on Wheels. The court's decision on funding will directly impact the program's ability to serve vulnerable populations in Cooke County and beyond.