For thousands of elderly Missourians, the federal government shutdown has moved past being an inconvenience and is now an impending crisis. The funding lapse directly threatens the existence of home-delivered meal programs and the crucial safety services provided by our Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
We are talking about seniors who rely on this daily delivery for their primary source of nutrition. More importantly, that knock on the door is a daily safety check performed by dedicated staff and volunteers. Without that check, vulnerable individuals living alone are at severe risk of injury, falls, or illness going unnoticed for days. This service is a critical preventative measure, not charity.
Our local AAAs are resourceful and resilient, but they cannot operate indefinitely on empty promises and dwindling emergency funds. Federal allocations, primarily through the Older Americans Act, are the backbone of this support system. When Congress fails to pass appropriations, it puts an unsustainable strain on the local agencies that serve our communities every single day.
Delaying the reopening of the government is directly condemning our seniors to increased risk of hunger and isolation. We urge every member of our delegation to take immediate, definitive action to pass the necessary appropriations bill and restore Older Americans Act funding. Protecting the health, independence, and dignity of our older population should be the easiest vote they cast. Urge Congress to reopen the government and protect our seniors!
You Can Help! If your situation allows, please support your local Area Agency on Aging and Senior Center: Protect our seniors!