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Aransas County senior center describes meal-service shortfalls, long waiting list
Summary
A representative of the Aransas County Senior Center Council on Aging told commissioners the program is serving thousands of meals but faces vehicle, staffing and funding shortages and an active waiting list.
Debbie Thompson, who identified herself as speaking for the Aransas County Senior Center Council on Aging, described continuing demand and resource strains for the county's home‑delivered and congregate meal programs.
Thompson told the commissioners the center's only kitchen is at the Church Street congregate site and that the program has delivered about 30,570 meals year‑to‑date and served about 8,000 congregate meals during the same period. "We have an extreme wait list of about 50 something plus clients," she said, and added the program operates with five meal drivers and six vehicles, one of which is in the shop.
Thompson said staffing is small — roughly 10 to 12 paid staff plus two volunteers, one paid through an AARP work program and one long‑term volunteer — and that private donors and a local shop's grant program have reduced or ended support this year. She asked the commissioners to continue supporting the program and said the center is seeking new grants and other funding avenues.
No formal action was taken; the remarks were offered during the public comment portion of the meeting.
