BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
What they’re saying
“The increase in need that we’re seeing again, being up 38% year over
“Food security, physical security and mental well-being are fundamental to people’s ability to survive.” ALICE JEWELL, CEO OF THE MCKENNA FOUNDATION
“We’re at near pandemic-level demand, and it’s scary because we rely on community support to ensure we can meet that need.” ERIC COOPER, CEO OF THE SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK
year, is kind of terrifying in the sense that if that trend continues, we simply don’t have the budget for it.” TIFFANY QUIRING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE CRRC
Meals on Wheels funding AACOG funding of the program dropped 43% over the past year.
How to get involved
Managing the impact
The Meals on Wheels program plays a vital role in supporting the local senior community, said Chris Smith, the executive director of the CCSCF. Without the meals provided through the program, many of the seniors would struggle to maintain their independence and continue living at home, Smith said. The program also provides daily check-ins for homebound seniors, allowing volun- teers to report any concerns about their well-being. Smith said donations from the public have been lower in recent years, affecting nonprofits’ ability to meet growing needs. A significant drop in government support in recent years created a funding shortfall, Smith said. Funding from the Alamo Area Council of Governments has decreased by 43% . Quiring said the CRRC has experienced a “big, giant blow up” demand for services. This growth includes a rising number of multigenerational households turning to CRRC for assistance—a demo- graphic that previously sought help less frequently.
The best ways to help, according to Jewell, are through financial contributions, product donations, and volunteering time to support the local nonprofits addressing senior and food insecurity in New Braunfels and Comal County. “All of our food partners are looking for volunteers to help them distribute to the community,” Jewell said.
43% reduction
$778,220
$443,808
2023-24 funding 2024-25 funding
The $443,808 was distributed among the counties involved in the program in the following way:
Where you can volunteer and donate: NB Food Bank www.nbfoodbank.org Comal County Senior Center www.nbsenior.org CRRC of Canyon Lake www.crrcofcanyonlake.org
64.96% 24.85%
11.1%
Comal County
Guadalupe County
Other counties
SOURCE: COMAL COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Additionally, rural families face distinct challenges, including fewer grocery options, job instability, and child care limitations, Quiring said.
33
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook