Council approves home‑delivered meals contract with Excelsior Springs Hospital

The Excelsior Springs City Council on Nov. 3 approved Resolution 1619 authorizing a services agreement with Excelsior Springs Hospital to prepare home‑delivered meals for the 2025–26 Meals and Visit Program (MVP).

Nate Williams presented the item, saying the city received competing bids from Liberty Hospital and Excelsior Springs Hospital. "Excelsior Springs Hospital did submit a bid, $5.50 per meal. If you see the bid comparison, it is 50¢ more per meal, compared to Liberty Hospital," Williams said. He added, "It is local. It is close, meaning we would not need to send a staff member to Liberty and pick up meals every day. That saves on staff time and, wear and tear, fuel, all of those things." The council heard staff say the local arrangement would reduce staff pickup time and associated expenses.

Williams said staff are drafting guidelines to evaluate applicants and that the city may pursue scholarship support for participants who cannot afford the meal. He noted that some current participants are home‑bound (for example, hospice clients) and would remain eligible for home delivery; staff expect other participants to come to the community or senior center to eat and receive social engagement and wellness checks.

A councilmember moved to approve Resolution 1619; the motion was seconded and approved on a unanimous roll call (Councilmen Speer, Rennie, McGovern, Mayor Pro Tem Saint John and Mayor Spahn voting yes). The resolution authorizes execution of the services agreement with Excelsior Springs Hospital for the 2025–26 program year.