Federal Cuts to Meals on Wheels Affect Local Seniors

“Meals on Wheels has faced challenges since the pandemic, and after recent nationwide funding cuts, the situation is worse. The Local Office on Aging is now forced to reduce the number of meals they deliver, despite the rising demand from aging seniors,” said Ron Boyd, CEO of LOA.

Local media has covered the news of how federal cuts to the Meals on Wheels program are affecting service for Southwest Virginia seniors: 

• Each $1 spent on Meal on Wheels saves $50 in heathcare costs (roanoke.com)
• Roanoke Meals on Wheels program faces cuts as federal funding slows (wsls.com)
• 'The moment is more than the meal,' Federal cuts cause LOA to cut down on meals delivered (wfxrtv.com)
• Nationwide cuts to Meals on Wheels hit Southwest Virginia, forcing service reductions for seniors (wdbj7.com)

These cuts, combined with the rising cost of food and the increasing number of older adults in our community, have impacted LOA's ability to serve as many seniors as possible. No clients had to be removed from receiving Meals on Wheels: LOA has reduced the program's client list through attrition, as the number of qualifying clients varies with their changing medical needs.

Due to the reduction in funding, LOA has had to reduce the number of seniors currently receiving Meals on Wheels from 575 to 500. As of September 2024, we have 35 qualifying seniors on the waiting list to receive Meals on Wheels.

#EndTheWait

Meals on Wheels serves over 2 million seniors every year, but many more are still waiting for help. Meals on Wheels America has a plan to better serve more seniors. Learn about how you can help End the Wait and ensure that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it:

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15

It's that time again seniors: Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Health Insurance Counseling from LOA can help eliminate frustration and help save your hard-earned money. It's free and confidential for persons aged 60 and over. 

To make an appointment with one of LOA's Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) specialists, call LOA starting October 1 at (540) 345-0451.

Volunteer training coming up: LOA is holding a coach training class for volunteers to lead "A Matter of Balance" falls prevention classes!

Coaches receive training to help participants become more confident about managing falls and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance. Classes are held once a week for 8 weeks, for 2-hour sessions. If you are interested in being trained to be a coach for A Matter of Balance, please plan to attend

Training for new coaches will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 8am-4pm, here at LOA's main office! Please contact Delaine Caldwell for information and if you would like to attend the training, by clicking the button below or call (540) 345-0451 extension 3041.

Farm Market Fresh: Use your vouchers by Nov 17

LOA's Senior Legal Safety Conference a success

Thank you to everyone who joined LOA on Friday, September 20, at Harvest Ministries for our annual Senior Legal Safety Conference. Attendees enjoyed presentations by:

• Atlantic Union Bank
• Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office
• Lotz Funeral Home
• Senior Navigator
• And LOA's own Robbie Boyd and Delaine Caldwell about legal issues facing older adults.

We were pleased to have vendors present to share information and answer questions as well: AARP Virginia, Cardinal Senior Living of Roanoke, Virginia, Dorsett Wellness, Heartland Hospice, Mountain City Realty & Auction, LLC, RADAR, Raleigh Court Health & Rehabilitation, South Roanoke Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Virginia Navigator, and Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol.

Thanks to our generous sponsor, the Roanoke Law Foundation, for making this event possible!

Thank you to the Roanoke Greek Festival

Give Seniors a "Boost"

Gifts and Grants Update

LOA is deeply grateful to the following individuals and organizations for their recent generous gifts and grants:

Janice Fostek

Cardinal Senior Living of Danville

Cardinal Senior Living of Roanoke

P1 Technologies, Inc.

James and Lula Belle Wood

Carl E. and Helen M. McCurdy

Salem Lions Club

TMEIC Corporation Americas

JMAX Property Management

Joyce Johnson

Barbara Perdue

R. Curtis Steele Jr.

Thank you to everyone who has made a gift or donated items to LOA recently - you are helping older adults right here in our community!

Please note that LOA's offices will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024.