Judge Gabbard Explains Funding Responsibilities for Senior Nutrition Program and Senior Citizens Center

State Representative Timmy Truett visits the Jackson County Senior Citizens' Center

There are rumors flying around that the Senior Citizens Center is closing because of budget shortfalls. That is not the case and I want to share with you today what information I have about what is going on with the Senior Nutrition program throughout the State and our County.

First, let me explain how the program operates in the State. Money for senior meals comes from the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). Funding does not come directly from the State to Senior centers, but it is sent to each Area Development District that serves their respective County. Jackson County is served by the Cumberland Valley Area Development District in London. The CVADD has an Area of Aging Director that handles this particular part of the program. The Senior Center turns in invoices each month for meals provided to the Development District for reimbursement. The CVADD fronts those funds and then turns those into the KY DAIL for reimbursement.

Funds for the Senior Nutrition Program come through State and Federal Dollars. State Legislature receives request from DAIL for program support during budget sessions in Frankfort. Several weeks ago, we received notice from CVADD that funds were almost depleted due to the Federal COVID money running out. The funds that DAIL requested from the State are not enough to cover the number of Senior meals going out in communities throughout the State. Below is information the CVADD shared with us from an email received from DAIL.

"The record-setting funding for this program expansion was supported by one-time federal
COVID-19 dollars that expire on September 30, 2025, as well as an additional budget request awarded in the enacted 2024-2026 state biennial budget. Due to reduced federal funding and other recent federal policy changes, fewer dollars will be available and more responsibility will be shifted to states. As a result of this reduction in funding, the financial allocations your agency received on June 30, 2025, to operate the senior meal program will be the only federal and state funding available to your agency this state fiscal year."

In short there are more meals going out to Seniors than money to pay for. Covid funding has ended and the responsibility of paying for senior meals has been expended. So what happens next? The Jackson County Senior Center will remain open and does have enough funding to provide in person meals for Seniors able to come and eat on site. At this time they have informed us there is not enough money to continue the Meals on Wheels program delivering meals to residents. The Fiscal Court does not operate the Senior Citizens Center and has no employees there. We do own the building and provide support financially as we can.

The Jackson County Fiscal Court has called a special meeting to see if we can offer any additional support until the issues are resolved on a State Level. I encourage citizens that have family members affected by this change in services to call (833-372-0004) and speak with someone directly at DAIL.
Have a blessed week