Government shutdown could impact meal services for thousands of seniors

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The ongoing government shutdown could severely impact thousands of senior citizens who depend on a crucial food delivery service, Meals on Wheels, as its funding rapidly depletes.

Senior Citizens Incorporated, the organization behind Meals on Wheels, distributed 1,800 hot lunches to seniors in need Friday. This program, along with many others offered by Senior Citizens Incorporated, relies on funding from the Older Americans Act. One recipient, Lois Bangs, shared how the services have profoundly changed her life.

“The shutdown, it’s not just happening to the government workers, it’s happening to the regular everyday person,” said Lois Bangs, a Savannah resident.

Senior Citizens Inc. has been serving the community for over 60 years, providing essential services like delivered food and caretaker assistance to individuals like Bangs.

Bangs explained the critical role the program plays: “I had food in the house, but if I didn’t have energy to get out of the bed, I couldn’t boil a hotdog.”

However, with the government shutdown, funding for these vital programs is quickly diminishing. Patti Lyons, President of Senior Citizens Inc., warned of dire consequences.

“It is only a matter of time before these people who are depending on us will end up in the hospital,” said Lyons.

Meals on Wheels delivers thousands of meals weekly. On Friday alone, the program provided 1,800 meals to seniors. Senior Citizens Incorporated also operates an adult daycare center for seniors requiring supervision and hosts lectures and meetings to help clients stay informed and age gracefully.

Bangs expressed gratitude for the support. “I am so grateful for the program, for the people, for the connection and for the love most of all,” she said.

“My mom was a recipient of Meals on Wheels, everybody here that works here we all have someone who’s been touched by an older adult and so we feel so grateful,” said Lyons.

Lyons said that it isn’t money she’s asking for, but a voice.

“It’s always lovely to have donations but what we really need are people speaking up and calling congress and saying ‘these services are important, these people need to be fed,’” said Lyons.

While the organization has received some state funding, Lyons stated that this aid will cease as early as next week. After that, their emergency funds will only sustain operations for a limited time.