Newton Senior Center director warns daily nutrition program is at risk after contractor change

Lynn Beth, director of the Newton Senior Center, told the Newton City Commission that the center’s daily hot‑meal program — a federally subsidized service that also provides socialization for many seniors — is in jeopardy after the contractor relationship with Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) ended Dec. 31.

Beth said CPAAA has offered a $5,000 stipend to each site to offset the cost of hiring a site manager, but the center estimates it needs about $10,000 annually to pay for a site manager at roughly $12 per hour. She said the administrative responsibilities cannot be handled by volunteers and that, if the center were to absorb the role, it would require roughly three hours of her day in addition to existing duties. Beth said other senior centers in Harvey County receive city support and that Harvey County asked centers to approach their cities for $2,500 in matching funds; she requested guidance and planned to make a formal presentation at the Jan. 13 meeting after continuing county discussions.

Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about contractor selection, short‑term stopgaps (frozen meals will be available starting Jan. 5) and whether other centers with industrial kitchens have different capacities. Staff encouraged Beth to coordinate with peer directors and county partners and said the commission would expect a formal presentation in January with clarified funding requests.

What happens next: Beth will prepare a formal presentation for the Jan. 13 commission meeting and staff will follow up on county commitments and possible local match funding.