Malden Nutrition Center warns of immediate shortfall after county tax effort fails

Pam White, director of the Malden Nutrition Center, told the Malden City Council on June 15 that the center faces an immediate funding shortfall after a failed effort to gather signatures for a proposed county tax and the loss of reimbursements totaling $30,179 for June and another $30,179 projected for FY2027.

White said the center currently serves about 55–75 meals per day, including approximately 42 Medicaid deliveries, and that operational challenges persist at the Campbell Nutrition Center. She said community pledges and grants amount to $66,823.30 that remain available but have not been spent. White also said she is hopeful that pending legislation to increase Medicaid meal reimbursement rates will be signed by the governor and take effect July 1, which would help the center’s finances.

Council members asked for details on meal volumes, waiting lists, Medicaid enrollment and spend-down requirements. The city reiterated ongoing support for the Nutrition Center by covering utilities and maintenance. The administrator and council thanked White for the update and indicated staff would follow up on mechanics of accessing pledged funds and any steps required if Medicaid reimbursement rates change.

The council took no formal action at the meeting beyond listening to the update and directing staff to remain engaged with the center’s leadership. White’s figures and requests were recorded for further staff review and follow-up.