Council on Aging reports growing Meals on Wheels demand; wait list, federal funding uncertainty flagged

The Leavenworth County Council on Aging reported rising demand across its programs and a Meals on Wheels wait list of 21 at the time of the meeting. Agency staff told the board volunteers and donation programs partly offset costs, but federal funding projections could hold funding at 2024 levels while costs of food and delivery have risen.

The Council on Aging reported the following quarter‑one figures: a Meals on Wheels wait list that dropped from 25 to 21, about 74 volunteers (122 specifically supporting Meals on Wheels), and volunteer hours that the agency estimated saved the county roughly $153,000 in quarter one. Staff said the full cost to provide and deliver a Meals on Wheels portion—including vehicle wear, staff time and other overhead—is roughly $11.57, while suggested participant contribution is $3 per meal (raised last year from $2).

Staff said roughly 40% of Meals on Wheels recipients rely on the program as their primary source of nutrition. The council is revising route maps to increase capacity, exploring volunteer route adjustments, and continuing annual fundraising and grant writing. One FEMA emergency food and shelter grant application is currently on hold because of federal funding changes; staff said they were watching draft federal budgets for 2026 closely.

Commissioners and staff discussed ways to reduce the wait list, including route optimization and encouraging donations from participants able to pay more than the suggested contribution. The Council on Aging also plans an annual Meals on Wheels fundraiser in August and said it pursues all available state and private grants.

The board asked staff to prioritize strategies to reduce the wait list ahead of the budget cycle and return with options during budget hearings.