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At KC Shepherd's Center, we are committed to promoting the dignity, independence, and wellbeing of ALL older adults. Through leadership, coalition building, and advocacy, we work to ensure public policies reflect the needs and realities of aging adults.
What is Happening:
For the 2025/2026 tax season, the state of Missouri is providing a state tax check box donation program that supports local nutrition programs.
Thousands of older adults in Missouri are homebound and struggle to access regular, nutritious meals. The Elderly Home Delivered Meals Trust Fund provides an opportunity to support home-delivered meals across the state. More than seven million meals are provided each year to older adults in Missouri who are home-bound, which is often instrumental in fostering independent living. The need for home-delivered meals increases yearly as persons are living longer and may need assistance.
How the Trust Fund donation works: When a Missouri resident files their Missouri State Income Tax Return (MO-1040), they can choose to donate a portion of their refund to this fund.
- It’s easy: Just one line on the tax form.
- It’s local: 100% of these funds stay in Missouri to support our local Area Agencies on Aging.
- It’s impactful: Even a small donation can help cover the cost of a meal and a friendly visit for an older adult in need.
Missouri tax payers can find the check box on their paper form (Line 51 on the 2025/2026 MO-1040 under the "Trust Funds" section; or in tax filing software (TurboTax/H&R Block in the "Missouri State Wrap-Up" or "Donations" section. Look for "Elderly Home Delivered Meals.")
How it affects KC Shepherd's Center:
KC Shepherd's Center brought Meals on Wheels to Kansas City in 1972 and we've been delivering daily well checks and nutritious meals to homebound seniors ever since. Everyday, our team and volunteers deliver nutritious meals and vital social connection to homebound seniors, helping them remain healthy, safe, and independent in their own homes.
While dramatic recent government funding cuts have significantly reduced the number of homebound seniors we are able to serve from 1,200 to 500 over the past year KCSC's Meals on Wheels is still the largest nonprofit nutrition program serving older adults in Kansas City. As the older adult population continues to grow, the need for additional resources has never been greater. Additional funding through the Elderly Home Delivered Meals Trust Fund helps strengthen the nutrition system statewide—and can ensure Kansas City seniors continue to receive the meals and support on which they depend.
What can you do?
- Help spread the word about a convenient way that Missouri residents can support older adult home-delivered meal programs in their state.
- Select the designated checkbox on your paper tax return (Line 51 on the 2025/2026 MO-1040 under “Trust Funds”) or through your tax-filing software (TurboTax or H&R Block under the “Missouri State Wrap-Up” or “Donations” section—look for “Elderly Home Delivered Meals”).
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