PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Potential federal cuts have left programs like Meals on Wheels in financial limbo. The Neighborly Senior Care Network operates Pinellas County’s program, which offers seniors subsidised meals.  

What You Need To Know

  • The Neighborly Senior Care Network operates Pinellas County’s program, which offers seniors subsidised meals

  • Alongside its well-established Meals on Wheels program, the nonprofit now offers freshly prepared, dietitian-approved meals for purchase to seniors aged 60 and older

  • Potential federal cuts have left programs like Meals on Wheels in financial limbo

  • In Pinellas County, there are over 500 people on the waitlist for federally funded meals. Proceeds from this new program will be reinvested into Meals on Wheels, which is facing financial uncertainty

Customer Alice Sargent says the Meals on Wheels program was a solution to a problem she’s had for years.

“Shopping for food is a problem. I can’t see the items on the shelf,” she said.

She looks forward to the deliveries, including catching up with drivers like Mike Polidoro.

For a decade, Polidoro has served the Neighborly Senior Care Network, travelling thousands of miles across Pinellas County to deliver food to seniors.

“I usually have 57 boxes a day,” said Polidoro.

He says he has developed a bond with the seniors he serves, like Rudolph Turner.

“I don’t drive, have mobility or anything to depend on to do it with the exception of Meals on Wheels,” said Turner.

Polidoro says the work is fulfilling, as he may be one of the few guests these seniors see regularly.

“It’s a nice thing to do,” said Polidoro.

Alongside its well-established Meals on Wheels program, the nonprofit now offers freshly prepared, dietitian-approved meals for purchase to seniors aged 60 and older. Each meal costs about $8.50.

In Pinellas County, there are over 500 people on the waitlist for federally funded meals. Proceeds from this new program will be reinvested into Meals on Wheels, which is facing financial uncertainty.

Anita Frankhauser, the Neighborly Senior Care Network Nutrition Director, says the proposed budget changes could lead to reduced funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA).

“There are seniors or elders in our community that are going without food and are hungry,” she said.

Frankhauser says that with the senior population in Florida growing rapidly, many older adults face challenges in accessing regular, nutritious meals—whether due to health issues, limited income, or simple isolation.

“When you are on a fixed income, and you have limited income, you need to rely on programs that help offset your daily living costs. That is why it is really important to have these meal programs,” she said.

Frankhauser says expanded options should help whittle down the Meals on Wheels waitlist.

She says it’s not a total fix for senior hunger, but it’s a more fair and flexible way to meet the growing need.