Senior Nutrition Program secures funding for coming year

 

Red Bluff Daily News

 

Courtesy photo Pictured, from left, are Senior Nutrition Transporters Chris Connolly, Richard Alcasas and Barbara Bass, who deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout Tehama County Monday through Friday.

The Senior Nutrition Program has recently received notice of funding through Passages and the Area 3 Agency on Aging, California Department of Aging, in the amount of $136,189 for fiscal year beginning July through June 2015.

Additional funds from Nutritional Services Incentive Program in the amount of $25,664 were also awarded.

"We are thrilled to know the program will continue to be funded this year," said Amanda Sharp, manager of the Tehama County Community Action Agency. "This funding represents a large portion of what is needed to feed our seniors every day in Tehama County."

During the past 12 months, the program served 30,492 meals with 18,401 of them delivered to home-bound seniors. The program also provided 1,176 ride services to qualifying seniors.

"We are fortunate to live in a county that supports our program and is dedicated to providing hot, freshly made meals to seniors at congregate sites and through home delivery," sharp said. "Funds provided outside of the base grant are used to meet budget shortfalls."

A significant addition to this year's budget is the match funding provided by Tehama County. Additional support from Red Bluff and Corning comes in the form of volunteers and discounted rental space to serve and prepare meals. Even with this support and significant improvements in program efficiency, expected expenses will outweigh funds received, leaving a gap in funding to meet the needs of area seniors.

Many needy seniors continue to wait to be added to the home-delivered meal program due to budget constraints. The annual Adopt-a-Senior fundraiser held in May of this year raised more than $8,500.

"Our goal is to raise twice that much at next year's fundraiser on May 15 in order to feed those who cannot feed themselves," said Juanita Rajanen, Senior Nutrition coordinator. "So many of our seniors become invisible in our communities due to their inability to get out and find help on their own. They have medical, physical and mental issues that can drastically limit their abilities and many times, no family close by to assist them."

The community can help close the funding gap. To donate to this very important and worthwhile program, visit the Community Action Agency website at http://www.tehamacountycaa.org and find information on the Senior Nutrition Program as well as the form for an Adopt-a-Senior donation.

A minimum suggested donation of $3.50 per meal is appreciated as the total cost of providing a home-delivered meal is $9.07. A charge of $8 is required for guests under the age of 60.