County communities works to provide for seniors
The Midwest takes care of its own. Lately as a number of programs available to senior citizens in the community have dwindled, residents have come up with other ways to ensure they get what they need.
It was at the end of May that notifications from a number of organizations started coming in with bad news. First the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a delay in the start of the 2025 Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in May. The program, originally scheduled to begin on June 1, was said to be delayed due to “unforeseen technology delays.”
The program was for seniors 60 years or older, or if they are at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization with an annual gross household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. It gave $50 in coupons to be used to purchase local produce and local honey at participating farmers markets from authorized vendors.
No start date for the 2025 KSFMNP was confirmed though a news release stated that they currently had no plans to cancel the program for 2025. However, recently McPherson County Council on Aging officials stated that it is unlikely they will receive funds from the program at all this summer.
“Then, we were approached by our very own local McPherson County Master Gardeners and Friends with an idea to help out our local seniors 65 and up,” a social media post explained. “We are pleased to announce we have ‘punch cards’ provided by McPherson County Master Gardeners and Friends to be used at the Farmer's Market on Woodside.”
Only one location is accepting this at the moment, 600 W. Woodside in McPherson. The farmer’s market is open June through October every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.
The punch cards are one per household and have some income and age restrictions. They are first come, first serve. Applications can be filled out at the MCCA office at 926 N Main St. B in McPherson or call 620-241-4383 with any questions.
It was earlier this month that another blow was struck. Everfull, the company out of Hutchinson that provides food services to senior nutrition programs known as Friendship Meals and Meals on Wheels in the 10 counties, announced that the South-Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging has terminated its contract with them effective June 30.
This decision will impact 22 locations in Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman, McPherson, Sumner, Reno, and Rice Counties.
SCKAAA is a contractor of the state of Kansas for the federal Older Americans Act Title III C1 (congregate “Friendship Meals”) and C2 (home-delivered meals “Meals on Wheels”). Everfull is a nonprofit organization that has provided these meals for SCKAAA as their subcontractor since 1974. Effective July 1, 2025, 18,000 meals per month will no longer be provided to seniors at by Everfull.
“We are surprised and saddened at this decision by SCKAAA,” Charles Johnston, Executive Director stated. “In their verbal contract termination, SCKAAA stated that they are planning to provide meal services on July 1, 2025, which leads us to believe they have identified funding to make that possible, but we have no information.”
A statement was issued from the SCKAA with an explanation for the decision, “It comes after extensive discussions by SCKAAA’s board and a sincere effort to explore all options for continued collaboration. Ultimately, SCKAAA determined it must proceed with early termination due to Everfull’s untimely utilization of funds allocated specifically for congregate meals. In addition, delinquent audits have made it impossible for SCKAAA to request a reallocation of federal and state funds under Everfull’s existing agreements.”
Everfull is the company that provides meals for the Lindsborg Senior Center, 116 S. Main St. This decision had devastating consequences. It was announced that the center would no longer be able to provide their meal program as of June 27.
Lindsborg Senior Center Executive Director Marian Lindshield spoke with Lindsborg Summer Lunch Program volunteer and organizer Daniel Gottneid about a temporary solution to this conundrum.
“Our Seniors need socialization and some need prepared food,” she said via social media. “So Dan Gottneid has been very gracious to allow them to eat at the Summer Lunch Program.”
In Kansas, SUN Meals (formerly known as the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option) provides free meals and snacks to children during the summer when school is out. Through United States Department of Agriculture’s SUN Meals, kids of all ages can eat meals and snacks during the summer at no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations. These meals are available at various locations, including schools and community centers, and are open to all children aged 1-18, regardless of income. Additionally, SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, provides a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child for groceries, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
The Lindsborg program is held at the Messiah Church, 402 N. 1st St., Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. (closed July 4). The lunch is free for all those under 18 and a donation is encouraged for all those over 18. Lunch is to be consumed on site. No sign-up is required and entry is located on the north side of the building.
“Parents, if your kiddos eat there, would you please let them know that 12-15 older people will be joining them on Monday, June 30,” Lindshield said. “They will have their own volunteer with them but any help or just looking out for them would be appreciated. They will not know the procedure & may be slower so patience will be necessary.”
For any questions of concerns, contact Marian Lindshield at the Senior Center 785 227-3983. “Thank you,” she said. “I so want this to be a smooth transition for all.”
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