'Would be a complete disaster': Key senior assistance could be eliminated because of DOGE
Services used by 2.4 million seniors in the United States could evaporate because of Elon Musk’s DOGE. USA Today reports, layoffs hit roughly “40% of the staff at the Administration for Community Living,” which is the agency that administers and supports Meals on Wheels.
The primary source of funding for the program comes from the federal government via the “Older Americans Act.” "There are a lot of question marks right now," Josh Protas, chief advocacy and policy officer at Meals on Wheels America, told the outlet.
Meals on Wheels is a national organization that delivers food to seniors and homebound people. The 501(c)(3) program does more than hand out meals. The outlet noted, “They are a daily wellness check for seniors and other people who are homebound. They can look for signs of cognitive or other health problems or abuse. And they're a connection to the outside world, a daily reminder that other people care.”
"We know the difference we can make in people's lives and in their communities," Protas told the outlet. 1 in 3 local Meals On Wheels programs have a waiting list, and Protas believes they "need adequate levels of funding and support to do that even more effectively."
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The outlet made clear, “Meals On Wheels America itself has not been hit with layoffs,” and now workers are “Trying to reassure their community partners that they'll continue their support and advocacy.”
At the local level, Community relations specialist for Meals On Wheels of Ocean County, NJ, Heather DeJong said 20% of their funding comes from the federal government. Meaning of the 1,700 people they serve 300 people would receive fewer meals and services.
One senior who uses Meals on Wheels services told the outlet, "If it's taken away, I don't know what seniors will do... It would be a complete disaster."
According to USA Today, “There haven't been any disruptions in service at this time,” but there are worries that “federal cuts might negatively impact local programs.”