Montgomery MOWMC cut jeopardizes senior meals, transport

**Disputed Funding Cut Jeopardizes Vital Services for Montgomery County Seniors, Veterans**

**CONROE, TX** – Meals on Wheels Montgomery County (MOWMC) is sounding the alarm after receiving a significant 23% funding cut from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), a decision that threatens vital meal delivery and transportation services for hundreds of vulnerable seniors and veterans across the county. The reduction in federal Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-B and III-C program allocations will strip MOWMC of $92,000 for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, dropping their allocation from $392,000 to $300,000.

H-GAC, the regional planning organization responsible for distributing these funds, attributed the cut to a 12% decrease in overall OAA Title III funding from the State of Texas. Their explanation cited a decline in the statewide 60-and-over population according to the 2020 Census. However, this rationale clashes sharply with local demographics; Montgomery County’s 60+ population actually *increased* by a substantial 33% between 2010 and 2020, making the local impact of the funding cut particularly contentious for MOWMC and its beneficiaries.

The direct consequence of this funding gap could be devastating for the community’s most vulnerable. MOWMC estimates the reduction could impact over 100 seniors daily who rely on nutritionally balanced, home-delivered meals, which often represent their primary source of sustenance. Additionally, approximately 200-250 seniors each month could lose access to vital transportation services, hindering their ability to attend medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, or access essential resources.

“This is devastating for vulnerable seniors and veterans in our community,” expressed Summer Day, President and CEO of MOWMC. “These are not just meals; they are wellness checks, social connections, and the difference between independence and isolation for so many. To see this funding cut, especially when our senior population is growing, is incredibly worrying.”

Currently, MOWMC serves 800-900 seniors daily with home-delivered meals and provides approximately 1,000 transportation rides each month. The organization already maintains a waiting list of 175 seniors for meal services, a number expected to grow even larger in the wake of this significant funding reduction.

The Older Americans Act (OAA), established in 1965, provides federal funding for a range of services designed to help older adults live independently in their homes and communities. Title III-B provides supportive services like transportation, information, and referral, while Title III-C funds nutrition services, including home-delivered meals. The cuts to these specific programs directly undermine MOWMC’s core mission.

MOWMC is urging community members to take action. They are encouraging residents to contact H-GAC directly to voice their concerns about the decision. Constituents are also asked to reach out to their State Representative and State Senator to highlight the critical need for continued support for senior services in Montgomery County.

In addition to advocacy, MOWMC is appealing to the generosity of the community to help bridge the $92,000 funding gap. Every dollar donated directly supports meal delivery and transportation, ensuring that no senior or veteran goes without essential services.

For more information on how to contact H-GAC, your state legislators, or to make a donation, please visit the Meals on Wheels Montgomery County website at [www.mowmc.org](https://www.mowmc.org) or call 936-756-5883. You can also find contact information for the Houston-Galveston Area Council at [www.h-gac.com](https://www.h-gac.com).