The Saline County Senior Services Department reported a significant increase in meals served during 2024 and received new grant funding, according to an update presented at the recent county commission meeting.
Department Director Rosie Walter informed commissioners that the total meals served for the entire year of 2024 reached 123,124. This marks a notable increase from previous years, with 116,026 meals served in 2023 and 115,106 in 2022.
Walter also highlighted recent grant awards. The Earl Bane Foundation provided $5,000 for Meals on Wheels Christmas meals and $20,000 for a new digital sign. Additionally, the Verlin Esbat Foundation awarded $9,000 for Christmas Meals on Wheels.
The department's letter campaign fundraising efforts have so far raised $82,161 for homebound seniors, compared to $55,488 raised last year.
Walter reported that 93% of the meals served are subsidized, with only 7% being full-pay meals.
The department faced challenges during the recent snowstorm, with volunteers unable to deliver meals for four days. However, previously delivered Christmas bags containing shelf-stable food helped mitigate the impact.
The update also mentioned ongoing infrastructure improvements, including repairs to the garage and Ninth Street doors, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Dane Hansen Foundation.
The department is also working on a Community Development Block Grant application to replace the existing parking lot and roof, due in November 2025.
