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Aransas County boosts Council on Aging food-distribution funding from $60,000 to $100,000 amid rising demand
Summary
Commissioners approved increasing health-care sales tax funding for emergency food distribution to the Aransas County Council on Aging from $60,000 to $100,000, citing a rising waiting list and service cuts that would otherwise force layoffs or reduced meals.
Aransas County Commissioners voted to increase funding for emergency food distribution administered by the Aransas County Council on Aging, moving the organization's annual allocation in the county's health-care sales tax fund from $60,000 to $100,000.
Debbie Thompson and other presenters told the court demand for Meals on Wheels and other senior food-distribution programs has climbed, that waiting lists have formed and that previous federal and state funding shortfalls have reduced capacity. "We do a drive through... and our drivers still went to people's houses," a presenter said when describing prior pandemic-era adaptations; commissioners were told the additional $40,000 will be distributed quarterly.
Staff said the funds come from the county's health-care sales tax fund, not the general fund, and that a budget amendment will be prepared to incorporate the increase. County staff and the service provider also said they will pursue other grants and philanthropic sources; presenters warned that without added support the provider might have to lay off staff and reduce service to roughly 175–180 clients per day.
Commissioners approved the amendment unanimously and directed staff to prepare the budget adjustment and continue quarterly dispersal of funds.
