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Tri‑County Office on Aging reports high meal demand, waiting list for home‑delivered meals in Eaton County
Summary
Tri‑County Office on Aging told the Eaton County Human Services Committee it served 73,500 meals in FY2024 to 378 local participants and placed 87 Eaton County residents on a waiting list after funding shortfalls; the agency also reported volunteer shortages and other program metrics.
Kate, a representative of the Tri‑County Office on Aging, presented TCOA’s semiannual report to the Eaton County Human Services Committee, thanking county commissioners and local advisory members for their support and outlining program data for fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 2023–Sept. 2024).
TCOA reported it served 73,500 meals to 378 Eaton County participants through its home‑delivered meals program and — because of sustained high demand without additional funding — implemented a waiting list in February 2024. Kate said there are currently 87 Eaton County residents on that waiting list. She also noted TCOA served more than 2,200 congregate meals to 16 Eaton County residents through the senior dining program at the Delta Township Enrichment Center (Delta 30 Niners).
Agency staff said the friendly reassurance program ended effective Aug. 1, 2024, and that volunteer recruitment — particularly Meals on Wheels drivers — remains the largest barrier to restoring service capacity and reopening some dining sites. Kate said TCOA is exploring alternative meal options, such as a soup‑and‑salad bar or a breakfast offering, to attract more volunteers and diners.
TCOA also reported work in education and benefits navigation: staff completed 12 in‑person health and wellness workshops in Eaton County and five online workshops, with 128 Eaton County residents enrolled overall. The Medicare/Medicaid assistance program provided counseling to 1,428 beneficiaries systemwide, of whom 282 were from Eaton County. Project Choices served 438 Eaton County residents in community‑based alternatives to nursing‑home care and reported an additional 311 Eaton County residents waiting for in‑home services and supports.
Kate closed by noting TCOA’s recent anniversary and upcoming fundraising and community events, and invited questions from the committee.
The committee accepted the presentation and thanked Kate for the update. The report will remain part of the committee record; no additional county funds or formal action were requested at this meeting.
