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12 <br /> 6. Regular Agenda <br /> Additional Fundinq for Department on Aging Takeaway Meal Program <br /> (This item was added at the beginning of the meeting.) <br /> Commissioner McKee expressed concern that the takeout program at the Senior Centers <br /> ends on Friday. He wants to ensure no hard stop for those truly needing meals without <br /> transportation. He said that at $9 per meal/day, continuing through December would cost under <br /> $10,000, allowing reassessment later. <br /> Janice Tyler, Aging Director, said there are 41 meals being taken away every day, and 8- <br /> 10 are for truly homebound individuals. She explained that those delivering meals to homebound <br /> individuals also take their own meals. She said Aging staff have been notifying people for a while <br /> now that the funding for the take-out meals program is ending. She said she has spoken with <br /> Susan Jarmin of Orange County Meals on Wheels, and they can accommodate taking meals to <br /> homebound individuals. She said Orange County is the only county still doing pandemic-era <br /> takeout meals. She highlighted that one of the benefits of Meals on Wheels is that meals are <br /> guaranteed to be delivered and those who are homebound won't be relying on one person to <br /> bring them a meal each day. <br /> Travis Myren explained that the program was extended 2 months during the budget <br /> process, which is why the program is ending now. <br /> Chair Bedford emphasized participants need to accept Meals on Wheels without feeling <br /> they have choice, as she won't vote to continue for 10 people if Meals on Wheels can serve them. <br /> Commissioner McKee said his only concern was ensuring no hard stop for truly <br /> homebound individuals. <br /> Janice Tyler suggested continuing the program for two weeks at$675 weekly to give Meals <br /> on Wheels time to work with homebound individuals to get them on their route and assure them <br /> they will still get meals delivered. <br /> Chair Bedford shared her positive volunteer experience with Meals on Wheels, which <br /> provides pet food, 15-minute social visits, sugar-free treats for diabetics, and various delivery <br /> options, including cooler drop-off. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said people should be encouraged to call the Department on Aging <br /> for information if needed. <br /> Janice Tyler said information has been included with each takeaway meal about who to <br /> contact to get more meals. <br /> Commissioner Fowler agreed Meals on Wheels is the appropriate entity to help. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if everyone understood the communication that came <br /> with the meals. <br /> Janice Tyler said she thinks so but will have someone from her staff contact individuals <br /> who are eligible for Meals on Wheels. <br /> A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve <br /> enough funding for two weeks of the program. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />