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Senior services report big growth in Meals on Wheels and center attendance; seeks vehicle funding and new senior center planning
Summary
The senior center reported steep growth in registered users (from 961 in 2020 to over 3,160 now) and a large increase in Meals on Wheels deliveries; staff requested help securing replacement vehicles and capital for long‑term senior center expansion.
The senior center director reported Tuesday the county’s older‑adult programs have seen substantial growth and outlined near‑term funding needs for Meals on Wheels vehicles and long‑range plans for a second senior center.
Director (name as in transcript) said registered users rose from 961 in 2020 to 3,125 by December 31 and 3,160 at the time of reporting. Meals on Wheels service increased to 43,321 meals in 2024 and an aggregate 150,532 meals served between 2021 and 2024; last year the program served 504 individuals and saw year‑over‑year meal growth of about 24%.
Staff goals include expanding outreach to medical providers and health agencies, increasing Medicare/Medicaid education assistance, helping patrons with benefit applications, and securing funding to replace two Meals on Wheels vehicles that have close to 100,000 miles (vehicles originally purchased with CDBG funds in 2017). The director said the center is facing space constraints in the kitchen and multipurpose room and is seeking to roll a $60,000 private donation into capital funds for future use.
Council members heard about new programming (arts, ukulele, dance, ceramics) and the center’s plan to pursue CDBG and community donations for vehicle replacement and capital toward a potential new senior center.
What’s next: staff will pursue CDBG grant opportunities, consider donation uses for capital, and return with a capital request as appropriate.
