The following was posted on Facebook by Betty Bradley, executive director of Meals on Wheels Plus in Abilene:

Proposed Congressional budget cuts include a cut, with the option for elimination, of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). Our program receives $1.9 million annually from SSBG which is used to provide a nutritious hot noon meal five days a week to some 1,000 SSBG eligible clients. SSBG is the only federal funding this program receives. The remainder of our $3.7 Million budget comes from small fund raisers and contributions. The need has out paced available funding and the program is experiencing large shortfalls.

Malnutrition due to multiple health problems, mobility issues and the lack of financial resources are serious problems for the elderly & adults with disabilities.

The cost of meals for one person for an entire year is roughly the cost for one day in the hospital. $6.46 per meal is received from SSBG funding. $9.80 is our budgeted cost per meal.

1,738 individuals in Abilene & 14 small communities are currently enrolled. 738 clients are on a waiting list for SSBG funding. Some 300 potential clients are on a waiting list to even receive services.

Nutrition and the wellness checks that people receive as volunteers deliver meals helps them remain at home and reduce hospital stays.

If SSBG is eliminated it could mean that meal delivery to more than half of those receiving meals would end. People would go hungry. You can contact representative Jodey Arrington at the following:

If you go to his website there is a place for your email comments. arrington.house.gov/contact

The Honorable Jodey Arrington
500 Chestnut Street, Suite #819
Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 675-9779