That's why the Senior CommUnity Meal Program is grateful for any and all donations it receives — both money from donors and time from volunteers helps keep the Volunteers of America-contracted program afloat.
"We are trying to sustain the program for the long term with the limited funding we have," said Melissa Chapple, volunteer coordinator for the meal program. "We're committed to trying to provide a quality meal, too. Our biggest need is for volunteers to deliver the meals."
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"It's really pretty rewarding. Sometimes (volunteers) are the only human beings they (recipients) see. They're so gracious."
Chapple said the need for volunteers is highest in the Delta area, where she's down by two to three drivers per day.
The meal program receives federal funding through Region 10's Area Agency on Aging. The VOA was selected as contractor for eight meal sites providing senior nutrition in April of this year. It took over in July from Columbine Senior Meal Services and serves seniors in Montrose, Olathe, Nucla, Norwood, Delta, Paonia and Cedaredge meals at designated sites, as well as meals through home delivery.
"We're excited to have the VOA on board," Lee Bartlett of the Area Agency on Aging said. "They came in with some fresh ideas and they're looking for some long-term sustainability for the program. They're working on making things a lot more cost-effective."
Bartlett said the program receives $159,000 to fund meal sites and $118,000 to fund home deliveries. By federal program rules, the VOA is required to ask for donations and the Area Agency on Aging cannot charge for the meals.
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