Meals on Wheels Urgently Seeks State Support to Continue Feeding Local Veterans

As inflation increases the demand for food aid, organizations providing support are struggling with tightening financial constraints themselves.

Leaders with Metro Meals on Wheels visited the Minnesota Capitol on Wednesday to make the case for renewing a pilot program that has served 28,000 hot meals in the past 18 months to veterans who otherwise wouldn't qualify for support.

"We recognize that difficult choices lie ahead in the coming few weeks, yet I implore you to consider our senior citizens who have dedicated their lives and are currently grappling with higher expenses related to housing, health care, and sustenance," stated Patrick Rowan, Executive Director of Metro Meals on Wheels.

Rowan appeared before the Minnesota House Veterans and Military Affairs Division Committee, which is evaluating whether to prolong the pilot project. This initiative garnered bipartisan backing along with almost $1 million in financing aimed at providing daily meals for approximately 200 veterans between July 2023 and July 2025.

“Please be aware that these funds will benefit our most needy veterans,” stated DFL Representative David Gottfried, sponsor of a legislation aiming to allocate nearly one million dollars towards extending the program for an additional two years. “At present, ongoing financial support is even more critical due to the reduction in federal funding allocated for senior meals within our state, leading to a 12 percent decrease compared to last year’s budget for Metro Meals on Wheels.”

Bi-Partisan Praise

At the hearing, lawmakers decided to postpone the bill for potential incorporation into a subsequent piece of legislation, after commending its oversight mechanisms and success rate.

Gottfried stated that this initiative is notably focused, measurable, and open for scrutiny. To qualify for the program, individuals must prove they lack sufficient food security, are at least 60 years old, or face health issues that impede their ability to obtain food independently.

Rowan states that 90% of the state funds go directly towards meals, with each meal costing approximately $9.

Following his interrogation, Republican Representative Bjorn Olson also commended Metro Meals on Wheels for its management since 2023.

Representative Bjorn Olson (R) stated: “How do we demonstrate that the funds allocated for veterans aren’t simply replacing the current resources used to support them?”

Patrick Rowan: "We have seen a 60% increase in demand since the beginning of the pandemic... as a matter of fact, this week we've already had seven requests from veterans for Meals on Wheels. Unfortunately - for the first time ever - as the Baby Boomer generation ages, we are seeing waitlists for Meals on Wheels. This pot (of money) is the last resort. If (veterans) are eligible for other funds, they are restricted from being on this program."

Rep. Olson: "Thank you for that; that final point is significant to me because if they meet the criteria for anything else, we prioritize that over the veteran status. I truly appreciate your insight on this. Thank you."

"It's been a blessing."

At the hearing, Carter Drake, a Vietnam veteran who started receiving meals in August, spoke about how these meals have served purposes beyond merely helping him cope with increasing food costs.

I've found that retirement has provided my life with more structure," Drake stated. "Personally, I feel it’s been a gift, and I’m simply hoping this trend persists.

Should it proceed, Drake mentioned it will convey a significant message to all veterans during a crucial period.

He mentioned that it not only provides financial assistance but also gives a sense that there’s someone who cares.

Expanded Statewide?

Politicians are not just looking at extending the program. They might also introduce an accompanying bill to broaden the program’s reach to veterans across the state.

The plan involves allocating an additional $500,000 to Lutheran Social Services, responsible for delivering meals in areas beyond the Twin Cities metropolitan area.