Long-Term Funding Solution Needed for Edmond Senior Nutrition Program

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- A group focused on finding a long-term solution to funding Edmond's senior nutrition program spoke before the city council Monday night.

Edmond's senior nutrition program was eliminated due to state budget cuts earlier in the fiscal year. Community members have been able to sustain the program through fundraising efforts, but the amount of money raised will only last through July.

The group that has been spearheading fundraising efforts began with just three women. Now, the Council for Civic Organization has 11 members working to keep the senior nutrition program going.

"Our goal is to fix it now, but not put a Band-Aid on it. We don't want this to happen again. We would like to raise enough money for an endowment that secures the program's future," said Jennifer Miller, one of the group's founding members.

In the meantime, donations from community members have helped.

"This program is critical. For many of our seniors it is their only hot meal of the day," Miller added.

Jo's Famous Pizza stepped in to take care of food needs one day a week. The manager said they have no plans to stop helping and other restaurants should step up.

"We could solve this problem if we all came together and pitched in," Jo's Famous Pizza Manager Justin Price said.

Funding the senior nutrition program in Edmond costs $250 dollars per day. If you would like to help, contact Patrice.Douglas@edmondok.com.

More on News9.com:

• Lawmakers Disagree Over Funding for Senior Meals
• Seniors Enjoy Pizza Fridays Thanks to Edmond Restaurant
• Edmond Senior Meal Program Restarted Thanks to Donations 
• Edmond Looks for Donations to Revive Senior Meal Program 
• State Senator Fights to Restore Funding to Senior Nutrition Programs