Aiding meals program will feed the soul

THE ISSUE A program that delivers prepared food to elderly people will have to cut deliveries because of a funding shortage.

ABOUT a third of the people who receive nutritious prepared food from Lanakila Rehabilitation Center's Meals on Wheels program will lose the service if a funding shortage isn't made up.

Donations, large or small, would assure elderly folks will continue to get the healthy provisions, and, for some, a welcome weekly visit from the volunteers who deliver the meals.

It would be unlikely that Gov. Linda Lingle would reject an appropriation bill that could reduce part of the $238,000 shortfall the center anticipates. But the $1 million state kupuna care funds will have to be divided among the counties and spread over two years for various other needs, and how much Lanakila will get isn't certain.

Meals on Wheels delivers five frozen, prepared meals once a week to people 60 or older who aren't able to shop for food or cook for themselves. If they can afford to, they pay $3.50 for each meal -- $3 less than cost -- but those whose incomes fall below $1,000 are given priority.

The Lanakila program serves 727 people, but may have to drop 233 clients even while 250 are on the waiting list.

Lanakila officials say donations in any amount would help. Donors may also "adopt" meal recipients, contributing $130 a month or $1,560 a year.

As much as they appreciate the provisions, clients look forward to visits from the volunteers who wheel the meals to them. Volunteers also make sure recipients are eating properly, that they aren't in need of health care and provide a bit of company, which is food for the soul.