Fort Bend Seniors program postpones cuts to Meals on Wheels service after the community stepped up

ROSENBERG, Texas (KTRK) — A Meals on Wheels program serving seniors in Fort Bend and Waller counties has postponed planned service cuts that were just days away from taking effect, thanks to an outpouring of community support.

Helping those in need around the holidays is something Wanda and Andy Andrews know well.

“It’s very fulfilling, and that’s how you find out how much need is out there,” Wanda Andrews shared.

After years of giving back, time has finally caught up with the couple.

“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 Andrews receive seven meals from the Fort Bend Meals on Wheels program—a lifeline they say is needed not only for the food but for the companionship as well.

“We were thrilled, and they’re the nicest people you would ever want to meet,” Wanda said.

However, the friendly volunteers and staff faced a tough dilemma when CEO Doug Simpson announced that nearly half of their federal funding was cut.

“About an $800,000 cut in our budget, and that’s significant,” Simpson explained. “We’re not a huge organization, but that’s a big cut.”

Two months ago, ABC13 highlighted the loss of funding, and that story prompted neighbors, businesses, and government entities to step up and contribute.

“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.”

Thanks to the community’s support, the organization is able to continue delivering meals for now. However, Simpson warns that sustained assistance is still needed.

“After six months, there will not be enough money to keep seven meals a week going,” he said. “We’re not at the finish line. We didn’t finish anything. This is the first step along the way.”

Fort Bend Meals on Wheels is not alone in facing funding challenges. IM Houston also lost federal funding but recently announced it can continue Meals on Wheels programs in Galveston and Harris counties thanks to community contributions.

Officials say these services are needed more than ever, especially given the rising price of goods.

While the latest federal data shows that inflation for many goods has cooled compared to previous years, some food items remain costly. Texas A&M economist Jorge Barro provided some perspective.

“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 ensure seniors like the Andrews continue to receive nourishing meals, neighbors are encouraged to donate to the Meals on Wheels program.

A gesture the Andrews truly appreciate.

“Thank you,” said Andy Andrews.

Their gratitude reflects the impact of a caring community coming together to keep seniors fed and cared for into the new year.
https://abc13.com/post/fort-bend-seniors-program-postpones-cuts-meals-wheels-service-community-stepped/18301380/

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