Local agency delivers ’emergency meals’ for seniors in NW Kan.

NWKAA volunteers and staff prepare the emergency meals for senior citizens. — Volunteers and staff prepare emergency meals for delivery to seniors in northwest Kansas.

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Volunteers and staff from the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging this month are delivering more than 400 emergency meals to the home-bound seniors they serve in Ellis County and beyond.

Homestead Nutrition director Kristen Schmidt said the non-perishable meals are vital for seniors who rely on the agency’s daily delivered meals when bad weather prevents volunteers from driving.

“(The seniors) are very appreciative of the meals,” Schmidt said. “They call us when we are closed even though the schools are closed and the weather is bad. They want to know where their meals are — they rely on them.”

Several other emergency meals may be delivered throughout the year.

Schmidt said more seniors in the 18 counties they serve could be helped by the program, but believes they do not sign up due to pride.

“I have heard many people say they think it’s welfare, but it is not,” Schmidt said, adding the program is funded with state and federal dollars required by the Older Americans Act, as well as contributions from their clients.

For further details regarding the Homestead Nutrition Project, contact the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, 510 W. 29th, Hays, at (785) 628-8204, or click HERE.