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SECA explains Meals on Wheels costs, asks Bannock County to maintain prior funding level
Summary
Joe Borich, CEO of SECA, told Bannock County officials Meals on Wheels served 14,401 meals to 65 homebound clients last year, costing about $9.50 per meal with partial reimbursement from CCOG; SECA said it trimmed staff and restructured the program to reach a balanced budget and is not requesting an increase this year.
Joe Borich, chief executive officer of Southeastern Idaho Community Action (SECA), outlined the funding and cost structure for the agency’s Meals on Wheels program and asked Bannock County to maintain current support rather than increase it this year.
Borich told commissioners the Meals on Wheels program served 14,401 meals last year to about 65 homebound clients across Pocatello, Chubbuck and Inkom and that the program receives no direct federal funding. He described local funding sources including reimbursements from CCOG, contributions from the cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck and United Way donations.
Borich said the direct meal cost is about $9.50 and that SECA receives $4.25 per meal from CCOG, leaving an unsubsidized balance of roughly $5.25 per meal. He said SECA calculated that remaining annual shortfall at about $75,605.25 and that local contributions — including the county’s prior support — are used to cover that gap. "We're not getting federal grants for this program," he said.
Borich described recent internal cost controls: the program previously ran a deficit (he cited ranges from about $30,000 to $80,000 in prior years), and SECA cut two positions and reduced full-time staff from four to two in order to reach an even budget. Borich said the organization reexamined vendor options for meal preparation and has been working with Chartwells and Idaho State University; he also said discussions were underway with the senior center to lower meal costs and improve food quality, and that a partnership with Brookdale Senior Centers could reduce expenses if finalized.
Erica (surname not specified), who Borich identified as the staff member overseeing community services, spoke about taking Meals on Wheels under her program umbrella last July. She described ride-alongs with drivers and the program’s role as a daily welfare check for isolated seniors.
Borich said SECA is not seeking an increase in county funding this year and would like to maintain the current allocation. He invited commissioners to inspect the program and take a ride-along to observe service delivery.
No formal county action or vote on SECA’s request occurred during the presentation; Borich made an informational funding presentation as part of the county’s budget hearings.
