‘We’re heartbroken’: Waco Meals on Wheels may scale back service amid government shutdown
50% of Waco’s Meals on Wheels budget is on pause while the government is shut down
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Meals on Wheels program in Waco, Texas, fears the possibility of scaling back service while their federal funding is haulted amid the government shut down.
“We were literally heartbroken to learn that the government is shutting down,” Waco Meals on Wheels CEO Estrellita Doolin said.
Doolin said 50% of the organization’s budget comes from the government via reimbursement.
“We’re already dealing with a cashflow issue as we try to keep things rolling while we wait to be reimbursed,” Doolin said. “And now with this shutdown, it’s only going to create further delays, we believe.”
If the shutdown continues, Doolin fears the program might have to scale back service. Potentially delivering to less people or delivering fewer days a week.
“That’s an immediate impact on an individual who may not get a hot meal that day,” Doolin said. “Or get any meal that day.”
Over 400 people are currently on the waitlist.
Days before the shutdown, the organization started its “Step Up for Seniors” campaign. The hope is to raise $1 million from the community.
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