Hot Meals program for seniors running out of funds soon

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A hot meal program for seniors living on a limited income is running short of funds and there's a call for donations to keep the food deliveries going past March 1.

The seniors are isolated or incapable of preparing food. That's where the Center for Successful Aging is stepping in with a free hot meal program.

Clinical director Gary Linker said they have been getting three deliveries a week but the funding is running out.

"We are really really concerned about the welfare of these seniors and what's going to happen to them," said Linker.
"At one time last spring we did get a grant from the county social services department and we  intend  to go back when the new budget to them in hopes that come July when the new budget is developed we will get some funding from that agency."

He is hoping grant money or other resources, will bridge the gap.

Federal money that was funneled down to this program at one time has been redirected.

There are 105 seniors on the delivery schedule now. They may be able to receive food from other programs but it is not hot and prepared.

"There are a lot of isolated seniors a lot of seniors who are disabled a lot seniors who are incapable of driving  at this juncture  and they look forward to not only the meal  but that smile and that little bit of contact with the driver when they drop the meal off, " said LInker.

The program is working through Pascucci restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. The menu changes with each delivery but it meets specific health and nutrition standards.

By having a local restaurant involved, this also creates more work hours for the staff.

The meals are delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Friday meals is large enough to last through the weekend.

Because of other cut backs, the program has been reduced from five days a week to three days a week.

On a delivery Monte Mason said, he was expecting the meal and it came early. Asked what he was going to get in the bag he was handed, "it's a surprise."

In many cases the food delivery person is the only interaction the seniors have on a regular basis.

"It is sad to see this program is going away," said one of the food delivery drivers, Amy Porter.

She had a vehicle full of meals and full schedule.

Grants and contributions are being sought now to help the program while a more stable funding source is found.

For more information or to make a donation go to: Center for Successful Aging