About the Issue
Over the past few years, senior meal programs across the Pennyrile region are facing a large crisis. The extra funding from the pandemic has expired, and support for home-delivered meal programs have been cut. Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) is a regional nonprofit that serves the 9 counties of the Pennyrile region (Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Trigg, Todd). PACS is responsible for delivering and serving food to over 760 seniors in the region who may otherwise struggle. The organization has suggested they may have to trim this number down to less than 300 without help.
PeADD, a partner organization of PACS, suggested that this new funding would only last 7 weeks, in a comment made around Sep. 30, 2025. This means that the resources have likely run out, or are soon to do so. Community support needs to be mobilized in order to help out the Pennyrile community.
The Human Impact
Many seniors in the region recieve free meals through this program. The reduction in the amount of people recieving meals will be devastating for those who get cut not only because they lose access to meals, but also because they won’t have anyone coming in to check on them. These checkups can be very important, as some of the recipients don’t have others to check on them regularly. Leaders in a similar program in the Purchase ADD said:
“Meals on Wheels is more than a meal. It is someone that is delivering to this person five days a week. They’re laying eyes on them, they’re saying hi to them, they’re smiling at them, they’re checking on them. We’re not just losing the funding for a meal, we’re losing funding for connection.”
How you can Help
Volunteering
If you would like to help by cooking meals, running meals to residents, or serving meals, contact PACS at (800) 264-0643. Some oppurtunities may be uploaded to their Facebook page. We are working to see if there is a way to make the positions needed more readily available.
Donating
I have not yet confirmed whether PACS accepts donations of food or other goods, however, if you would like to donate in that way I would recommend contacting them using the info under volunteering. Otherwise, PACS has a donation link for general monetary donations here.
Advocacy
This issue has been affected by limited availability of state resources. If you feel passionate about this issue, you can share your experiences or concerns with your elected representatives. Ensuring officials are aware of local conditions can help keep community needs visible.
*Charigator does not advocate for any specific legislation or policy changes.
Links & Sources
Kentucky’s Area Development Districts respond to Senior Nutrition Program funding changes – KCADD
Collaboration For Temporary Home-Delivered Senior Meals Solution – WKDZ
PeADD, PACS announce temporary plan to keep home delivered meals going to all clients – WHOP
Budget shortfalls for meal programs could leave many Kentucky seniors hungry – WKMS – By Derek Operle
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