Coordinators for a popular food delivery program for elders on Martha’s Vineyard are preparing for possible funding cuts from the federal government that could require them to pull back on deliveries.
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, which coordinates Meals on Wheels, has already decided to make fewer deliveries on the Cape in light of funding cuts. Instead of the usual five days a week, this month they are beginning to make deliveries just four days a week.
On the Vineyard, at least for now, the schedule has not changed, officials say. But there is some nervousness and uncertainty over the federal funding that could require Meals on Wheels to get creative to meet the demand on the Island.
“We’re trying to figure out what is going on with federal budgets,” Laura Roskos, development and public information officer, told The Times. “We’re experimenting to get things under control for Barnstable County. There are no impacts for the Vineyard.”
The Falmouth Enterprise was the first to report the cutbacks on the Cape. Residents could receive a fifth frozen meal, but those would be issued only on a case-by-case basis.
Roskos said that about a quarter of Elder Services’ annual budget comes from the federal government, which is distributed by the state. Only about 20 percent of that state funding has been committed to the group, Roskos said. “This was money that was contracted to go to the state, but we don’t know if it will get stuck in the pipeline, and I don’t know if anyone knows,” Roskos said.
The Meals on Wheels program makes wide distributions on the Island, where one in three residents is a senior.
Last fiscal year, Roskos said, the program made 45,155 meal deliveries to 299 people. And she said that the program has been expanding over the past several years, and she expected that when the totals come in for the current fiscal year — which ends at the conclusion of June — there will be even more users than last year.
Officials with the nonprofit Island Grown Initiative are keeping a close eye on the potential funding cuts to Meals on Wheels, noting its importance with one in three Island residents over the age of 65. Noli Taylor, co-executive director of Island Grown, said that the meal program is growing more important with cost-of-living and housing prices rising on the Island.
“Meals on Wheels play a critical role on the Island in providing food security for elders,” Taylor said. “Not only does the program offer nutrition support, their volunteers provide a social connection that can be just as important as food in safeguarding the health and wellness of senior citizens.”
According to the Falmouth Enterprise, the nonprofit in May had been expecting to receive $1.3 million from the federal program called the Older Americans Act, as it had in the past, but had only received a little under $300,000. Some $200,000 was also cut from the program last year, due to federal funding.
State Rep. Thomas Moakley is working to secure funding through a state’s supplemental budget — for funding the next few weeks — that would put money toward the local Meals on Wheels program. Moakley also said that they are also looking to add funding for next fiscal year budget beginning in July.
“There are no impacts for the Vineyard.” Non story. Move on!
Yet.
I don’t recall you helping with any food programs, I highly encourage you do so. Your thoughts might just change.
Not yet John but don’t count Trump out yet!
In order to cope with any budget cuts to this vital program, I have an equitable idea, cut off meals for any recipient who voted Republican.
Seems fair to me.
Let those two who voted for fairness, receive fairness.
Many Brazilians are conservative and voted for this administration, including some who live on MV. The Times ran an article highlighting that position:
“. . . there is a significant level of support by Brazilians for President Trump, and a general acceptance of his policies — even his immigration reform efforts.”
https://www.mvtimes.com/2025/02/05/amid-deportation-fears-brazilian-immigrants-seek-solace-faith-conservative-values/
Are you in favor of cutting off immigrants who need food assistance? Or just American-born folks who did something to earn your disapproval?
Endless talk about preserving rights and stomping out fascism, yet here is a viewpoint that proudly advocates punishment—in the form of starvation—for those exercising said rights.
How is that not dictatorial?
Another example, in a very long list, of why I don’t believe much of the public outrage to be sincere. It’s politics as usual.
I wholeheartedly agree that this program is vital and should never be cut—for anybody.
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