Middle Georgia Meals On Wheels Overcomes Budget Cuts

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Meals on Wheels is facing a big challenge after budget cuts forced the Macon-based organization to limit the number of new people it serves this year.

A simple knock and a friendly smile.

You may think that’s all there is to a Meals on Wheels delivery–but for people like George Williams, it means so much.

“I just thank God for you all and the Meals on Wheels volunteers for coming out to my mother’s home and other seniors homes to make sure that they have the proper food that they need,” said Williams. “I think that this is a great reward and a great service to the city of Macon and can bring accountability to what they do because they do a great job with bringing out Meals on Wheels.”

However, cuts to the budget–more than 19,000 dollars worth–have forced Meals on Wheels to change how they spend money.

But that won’t stop the meals–and the smiles–from being delivered.

“What we try to do is leverage every fund, every dollar we receive to serve just one more person. In December we have been able to bring on at least four more people off our waiting list that were in dire straights and we need to bring some more on.”

Hinton said they did have to cut one service they provided, but it won’t change their main focus–delivering meals.

I had a chance to ride along the delivery route with Sandy Bush, a board member for the organization, and despite budget cuts, people like Bush are still moving meals–and continuing the organization’s great mission.
“I was raised to give back and I think those of us who have had–in my case a career–have the ability and the money to live comfortably have an obligation to find an organization–doesn’t have to be Meals on Wheels–but some organization where you can contribute,” said Bush. “And Meals On Wheels, for me, has been the one I emphasize most.”

Because of the cuts, Meals on Wheels will have to lean more heavily on donations.

To get more information on how to donate, visit the Meals On Wheels Website.