KSNV: Looming federal cuts sparks fear for those who use Meals on Wheels service

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Congresswoman Susie Lee knocked on the door of Meals on Wheels recipient Mae Courson, a blind elderly woman who relies on the Meals on Wheels service.

“The program is very important for those of us citizens who are disabled; for those of us who are seniors,” said Courson.

Recently the reconciliation bill was passed through the House.

It would cut nearly $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034 to offer historic tax cuts for small businesses, ordinary Americans, and the wealthiest individuals.

However, critics say these funding cuts and policy changes could increase the demand for Meals on Wheels services, which leaves many who use this service worried about what this could mean for them.

"If you were to not receive these meals what would that mean for you? Where would you have to go,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03).

"I don't know. It’s not something I want to think about,” said Courson. “People like me and others like me would no longer be able to be as independent in their living situations."

Catholic Charities CEO Sara Ramirez says for this program alone they serve

2500 elders and have over 900 on the waiting list.

"As there are cuts at the federal level it will impact and come through the state and at the local level and we're really concerned that our 4 million dollars of fundraising just for this program will have to go up to 5 or 6 million and that's just to sustain the individuals that we are already serving."

Congresswoman Lee said there are about 660,000 senior citizens in Nevada. One out of two seniors who are living alone on a fixed income are hungry and suffering from food insecurity.

"If they don't have that, then they can't afford the rent here because they will have to pay some of their money that they are...that takes out of their rent budget and then they have to move to another location. It's a domino effect,” said Rep. Lee.