Community
BY SIENNA WIGHT
For over half a decade, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has been supporting seniors and functionally homebound Texans to remain in their homes for as long as possible. From meal delivery to home repairs, the nonprot conducts various eorts in the Greater Austin area. “Our mission is to help those who are aging or functionally homebound age in place,” MOWCTX CEO Henry Van de Putte said. “Because that’s the most dignied way to live, and it’s the most economical way to live, and it’s the most human- itarian way to live.” The big picture Founded in 1972 as a part of Meals on Wheels America, MOWCTX has grown the number and scope of its services over the past 52 years. MOWCTX also provides daily social connection and community. Assessing the need A 2024 presentation by the Texas Demographic Center showed that the population 65 and older grew approximately ve times faster than the total U.S. population. “We do not have the infrastructure in place and don’t have the time to build an entire aging network from scratch,” Van de Putte said. MOWCTX services support the elderly pop- ulation, but a lack of government funding has put pressure on the organization. Over the past three years, there has been a de facto 35% cut in government funding, according to Van de Putte. Additionally, the recent federal government shutdown, which lasted 43 days, resulted in administrative delays. MOWCTX is partially funded by federal and state reimbursement grants, meaning the organization spends money that is later repaid by the government. Van de Putte said any delays in reimbursements are “really hard to deal with.” Quote of note “As we enter the holiday season, ... a lot of the people we serve have outlived a lot of their family and friends,” Van de Putte said. “And so, please don’t forget about those who have no one.” Nonprot Meals on Wheels supports Central Texans to age with dignity
Meals on Wheels Central Texas relies on volunteers to help deliver daily meals.
List of services
MOWCTX oers various meal and nutritional programs, including:
• Home-delivered meals • Healthy Options Program for the Elderly, which provides grocery delivery • Groceries to Go, which has volunteers provide support for grocery shopping • Congregate lunch centers
Meals on Wheels Central Texas delivers approximately 3,000 meals per day.
Other services include:
• Home repair • Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors, or PALS • Personal care services, such as medication reminders or personal hygiene • Homemaker services, such as laundry, shopping or light housekeeping • Supportive services, such as respite care for caregivers, prescription pickup or company at medical appointments • Concierge services
CEO Henry Van de Putte began working at Meals on Wheels Central Texas four years ago.
SOURCE: MEALS ON WHEELS CENTRAL TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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