Meals On Wheels cutbacks being felt

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tuesday was the first day of the city of Jacksonville's new fiscal year, and some organizations were bracing for the impact of budget cuts.

Funding for Meals on Wheels Program -- which delivers cooked food to senior citizens -- was cut from $200,000 to $18,000.

Where the group has been delivering 900 meals each day, that number will be cut by at least 100.

Cathedral Terrance is a senior community where those meals are cooked up, served and delivered to disabled older adults.

Disabled and age 63, Plathell Dallas has received his hot meal from Meals on Wheels about 1 p.m. each day. Wednesday will be the first day he will go without.

"(I'm disappointed and somewhat angry at the city," Dallas said. "How is it that they can cut $200,00 from people like me and others who depend on this hot meal per day."

Tourea Robinson oversees Meals on Wheels for the non-profit organization Aging True.

"It was a guaranteed meal they would receive Monday through Friday, so my fear is now that they won't receive that. Their health will be in jeopardy; their nutritional value won't be met," said Robinson. "It also serves as a safety check when our drivers drop off the meals, so this may mean that no one is going by to check on them."

She says the the massive cut from this budget may also mean some staff will be laid off. They are appealing to the community to help make up the difference.

"I will just have to try to find another way to support, or get another meal," Dallas said.

Among the fundraising activities is a golf fundraiser scheduled for next Tuesday.  For more information, on the event, visit golfclassic.agingtrue.org or call 904-807-1203.