Macomb County’s Health and Human Services Committee approved forwarding a budget amendment to the full board that uses $188,940 in additional AgeWays funding to increase the per-meal reimbursement for congregate meal providers.

Sheila, who presented for the Office of Senior Services, told the committee the AgeWays funds cover increased cost per meal for the program and are split across funding periods Oct. 1, 2024–Mar. 31, 2025 and Apr. 1–Sept. 30, 2025. “It’s to cover the cost of the meals,” Sheila said.

Sheila said the additional funds do not immediately expand the number of people served; AgeWays funding does not cover the full meal cost, and the program continues to rely on participant contributions and county general fund dollars to make up the difference.

Committee members asked whether the funding would create wait lists or change eligibility for the Meals on Wheels program; Sheila said the program currently does not have a wait list and staff are prioritizing those with greatest need.

The committee voted to send the budget amendment to the full board (motion recorded as 13–0).