Photo: CasarsaGuru / E+ / Getty Images
MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. --Muskegon County has approved $150,000 in funding to support meal delivery services for homebound seniors. The county commission's decision aims to address the growing demand for such services in the region. The funding will be split equally between Age Well Services, which operates the Meals on Wheels program, and United Way of the Lakeshore. Each organization will receive a $75,000 grant to enhance their efforts in providing meals to seniors.
According to Kris Vanderstelt, Executive Director of Age Well Services, the grant will enable the delivery of over 8,000 meals to underserved and rural areas in Muskegon County. Age Well Services currently serves approximately 1,400 meals daily across Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties, with 43 drivers facilitating the distribution.
The funding also supports United Way's Lakeshore Hunger Relief Mini-Grants, which provide up to $5,000 to existing hunger-relief programs serving seniors aged 60 and older in Muskegon County. These mini-grants can be used for food purchases, supplies, transportation, and other needs that directly enhance food access.
The need for meal delivery services has increased due to the ongoing pause in SNAP benefits, creating additional stress on the food system. Muskegon County is considering establishing a centralized location to streamline food distribution and better meet the growing demand.
Additionally, Meals on Wheels plans to distribute approximately 3,900 holiday meals on December 17, supported by the DTE Energy Foundation. Seniors aged 60 and older are invited to participate in this event.