ROSENBERG, Texas (KTRK) — A Meals on Wheels program that helps seniors in Fort Bend and Waller counties said it’s postponing cuts that were days away from starting after the community stepped up.
Helping those in need around Christmas is something Wanda and Andy Andrews know about.
“It’s very fulfilling, and that’s how you find out how much need is out there,” Wanda Andrews explained.
After years of giving back, time has finally caught up.
“Having raised five kids,” Andy Andrews said. “Got 11 grandkids. Have seven great-grandkids, and we just do what we need, but I never realized we would be on the receiving end.”
Each week, the couple receives seven portions from the Fort Bend Meals on Wheels program. A lifeline, the couple said, is needed not just for the food, but company too.
“We were thrilled, and they’re the nicest people you would ever want to meet,” Wanda Andrews said.
But the friendly folks faced a dilemma when CEO Doug Simpson said nearly half of the federal funding was cut.
“About a $800,000 cut in our budget, and that’s significant,” Simpson said. “We’re not a huge organization, but that’s a big cut.”
Two months ago, ABC13 highlighted the loss of money. A story, Simpson says, caused neighbors, companies, and governments to give.
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“In our 51 years, we’ve never had a waitlist, and my goal is to never have a waitlist,” Simpson said. “Never say never, but as of right now, we’re not having a waitlist.”
While the organization is able to continue delivering meals, in order to keep the momentum going, Simpson said they still need assistance because after six months, there will not be enough money to keep seven meals a week going.
“We’re not at the finish line,” Simpson explained. “We didn’t finish anything. This is the first step along the way.”
They aren’t the only ones. IM Houston said it lost federal funding too.
Recently, it also said it was able to continue Meals on Wheels programs in Galveston and Harris counties, thanks to the community.
A service officials believe is needed more than ever because of the price of goods. While the latest federal data shows the rising prices of goods has cooled from previous years, some items still remain high.
Texas A&M economist Jorge Barro said the good news is he doesn’t expect to see a steep increase in all goods soon.
“If you look at specific components of the food category, you’ll see we still have some pretty steep price increases, but broadly overall, I think it’s much closer to normalized levels,” Barro explained.
To help keep the food coming, neighbors can donate to the Meals on Wheels program. A donation the Andrews know makes a difference.
“Thank you,” Andy Andrews said. An appreciation for how the community gave to keep seniors like them fed into the next year.
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Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
