DAYTON â Many programs relying on federal dollars could be in limbo as possible sequestration budget cuts loom.
For the people working with Montgomery Countyâs Meals on Wheels program, their day starts around 5 in the morning. They cook and prepare nutritious meals for the 4,200 seniors in the Miami Valley who rely on them, but the Meals on Wheels program, like many others could face severe budget cuts through sequestration.
âWeâre just up in the air, we have no idea at this point and weâre just waiting to hearâ said Chuck Komp, Senior Resource Connection President.
Montgomery Countyâs Meals on Wheels program serves eleven counties. Sequestration could impact seniors waiting to join the program the most.
âThe quality is not going to be affected but certainly the quantity of individuals that weâre able to serve will be affected by that, there will be an impact hereâ said Komp.
The funding cuts, if they do occur, will be mostly felt by those trying to sign up for the Meals on Wheels programs as oppose to those already receiving meals.
Wanda Bradshaw has been delivering meals to seniors for nine years.
âItâs fun, itâs thrilling to see a smile on their face when you knock on that doorâ said Wanda Bradshaw, Delivers Meals on Wheels.
Wanda says the seniors look the seniors look forward to the food and some human interaction during the day.
Daryl Bennettâs dad receives the prepared meals. He says between juggling a job and caring for his dad, he depends on the Meals on Wheels program too.
âIt helps me take care of him, and itâs very important to us and our family that he gets nutritious mealsâ said Daryl Bennett, Dayton.
Wanda hopes looming sequestration cuts donât have as big of an impact on the thousands of seniors who depend on the program, and those seeking to join it.
âI hope they continue to not cut it, and let them continue to get their mealsâ said Bradshaw.
Program managers are still unsure how the cuts could impact the dozens of part-time workers who deliver the meals.
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