Latest news with #NeighborlySeniorCareNetwork
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinellas non-profit helping seniors worried about funding cuts
The Brief A local non-profit that helps seniors is worried about funding cuts. Neighborly Senior Care Network has adjusted the way they operate to be proactive. When clients buy a meal, the money goes back into the Meals on Wheels program. CLEARWATER, Fla. - Neighborly Senior Care Network, a non-profit in Pinellas County that addresses senior hunger, serves 3,100 people annually. More than 500 people are on its Meals on Wheels waitlist. The non-profit, though, is worried it may not be able to help as many people with federal grant cuts looming. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The backstory "The federal government hasn't reauthorized the Older Americans Act yet fully," Anita Frankhauser, nutrition director for Neighborly Senior Care Network, said. "We don't know what our budgets are going to look like after next year. So, there's still a lot of uncertainty. With all the cuts to other programs that support seniors, I think it would just make it even worse for our area." Unfortunately, she said, the number of people they serve and the length of the waitlist is common across the state. The Older Americans Act funds about 70% of the non-profit, so Frankhauser said they're trying to be proactive if those cuts come. "We know that people want the food. They need the food. They want socialization. They want to feel connected to others. And so, that's why I know that we're doing really, putting a lot of good into the community," she said. READ: Bread & Butter Gourmet Deli in Tarpon Springs closing after 30 years Big picture view They've expanded their pay program within the Meals on Wheels program, offering more meal options at $8.50 per meal if clients don't want to be on the waitlist. The meals are still delivered to the seniors' homes. "We're really trying to kind of think more like a for-profit business in terms of generating revenue to put back into the funded meals," she said. Dig deeper About 100 clients have signed up so far. Frankhauser said they also offer one-on-one nutrition counseling and other dietitian services to the community to raise money to sustain the nonprofit. "I think that it's going to take a whole community to solve senior hunger and to make sure that our elders are cared for," she said. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kailey Tracy. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meals on wheels program for home-bound seniors in the Tampa Bay Area
The Brief Hundreds of volunteers with the Neighborly Senior Care Network deliver more than just hot food to seniors in the Tampa Bay Area. For Kristin Lindow, a neighborly volunteer, it's a way to bring comfort, nutrition and a smile to someone's front door. Last year, the program delivered more than 500,000 meals across the region. TAMPA - April is National Volunteer Month and one woman is delivering more than just hot food to seniors in the Tampa Bay Area. Kristin Lindow is packing up for a big day. But she's not heading off on vacation; Kristin is delivering hot, prepared meals to home-bound seniors. "It makes me feel that I'm making a difference in the world, you know, in our little world, Tampa Bay, St. Pete," Kristin Lindow, a neighborly volunteer, said. She's one of hundreds of volunteers with the Neighborly Senior Care Network Meals on Wheels Program. What they're saying "They see every day the immediate impact they make in the quality of life of these individuals," said Lindow. "It's not just about food delivery, it's, as most of our volunteers say, it is about delivering hope." Five days a week, folks like Kristin hit the road with one mission: feeding those who can't get out to feed themselves. READ: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary rebuilt after hurricanes thanks to Greater Good Charities "I think that the people that I've met mean a lot to me and I mean a lot to them because I try to be as happy as I can be when I come to their door," Lindow said. Last year, the program delivered more than 500,000 meals across the region. While having an impressive team of 800 volunteers, the need continues to grow. "This is a critical lifeline for them because many of them have significant nutritional needs, and so we have dietitians on staff who work to ensure that the meals are properly and nutritionally balanced to meet the needs of an older adult population," said Hillary Justice, a volunteer coordinator. For Lindow, it's a way to bring comfort, nutrition and a smile to someone's front door. "I think that if more people took the opportunity to do this, they would find the same satisfaction," Lindow said. What you can do If you want to volunteer, the program is always looking for extra help. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Bryan Gray. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
