Funding Crisis Threatens Senior Meal Programs in Sebastian County
Fort Smith, AR — June 5, 2025
Senior centers in Fort Smith and across Sebastian County are facing a critical funding shortfall that is severely impacting their ability to provide free meals to eligible seniors. The monthly meal count has dramatically dropped from 28,000-30,000 to just 14,000, leaving over 118 seniors on a waiting list without access to crucial nutrition.
Deanna Rice, Executive Director of the Sebastian Retired Citizens Association, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “This is the year 2025, and I am receiving $39 less in federal and state funding than I did in 2014.” The centers have already been reduced from nine locations to five, with further cuts likely on the way. Rice pointed out that despite three minimum wage increases and rising expenses, funding has not kept pace with inflation or the surging demand for meal services.
According to Rice, prior to the pandemic, state and federal funding constituted 66% of her budget; this has now dwindled to 42%. A noteworthy setback came last year when USDA funding was slashed by $68,000.
In light of these challenges, some rural senior centers may need to adopt a four-day workweek. State Representative Zack Gramlich emphasized the urgency, noting that many senior centers are posting signs indicating their inability to serve all who need meals. He is collaborating with the governor’s office and other legislators to secure stopgap funding and emphasize the necessity of making senior services a legislative priority.
As the deadline to finalize the budget approaches, Rice remains hopeful for state intervention to alleviate the funding crisis affecting these vital services.
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