×

Seniors’ needs still are plenty

For many Buckeye State seniors, the past year has been frightening in more ways than one. For those who relied on outside support to get healthy meals every day, the agencies that specialize in delivery of food to those who are housebound have been a life-saver.

Their need has not ended, of course. In some ways, it is as significant as ever. But the Ohio Controlling Board has made an important move to help agencies continue to fill the need. It approved an additional $6.137 million request from the Ohio Department of Aging, to be distributed to the agencies providing home-delivered meals to eligible Ohioans.

“This funding comes at a critical time and will help sustain our efforts to provide nutritional food to those that need it,” said Ursel J. McElroy, ODA director.

Perhaps the rest of us can use the announcement as inspiration for giving a little help of our own. The agencies serving our seniors — and plenty of others in our communities who are living with food insecurity — need our own donations, too. Financial help is always appreciated, but so are non-perishable items such as peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, pasta and rice. Toiletries and cleaning products are still needed as well.

Some Ohioans are seeing an end to the financial struggle and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Far too many are not. The ODA’s distribution of more money to those who are helping the most vulnerable among us should serve as a reminder they need OUR help, too.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today