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Council warns federal Meals on Wheels funding at risk; Gillespie Center reports fiscal recovery
Summary
Council member Pugh told colleagues federal funding for Meals on Wheels may be in jeopardy, potentially affecting local clients in Mound and nearby communities; the Gillespie Center reported it is back in the black after securing a long-term tenant lease and expanding programming.
Council member Pugh told the Mound City Council on May 13 that federal funding for Meals on Wheels is "really in jeopardy," and that a funding cut could affect many households in the west end of the lake area that rely on the service.
"The service comes out of Mound Spring Park but we service Maple Plain, Minnetrista, Mound, this whole west end of the lake," Pugh said, cautioning the council the potential federal cut could have local impacts.
Pugh also reported that the Gillespie Center, a local community center, held its annual meeting and for the first time in about 10 years is operating in the black. He said the center’s improved finances are due in part to a long-term tenant lease with West Edge Community Church and expanded programming, including monthly lunches that draw 60 to 80 people and new weekly breakfast service.
Why it matters: a reduction in Meals on Wheels funding could affect elderly or homebound residents who rely on congregate or delivered meals. The Gillespie Center’s improved fiscal picture suggests some local capacity to sustain programming, but council members did not identify a specific local mitigation plan if federal funds are reduced.
No formal action was taken; the item was raised during council member comments to alert the council and the public.
