Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels continues to experience high demand for help putting food on the table. That demand is reflected in the organization's decision to add an eighth service route. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has announced a lofty goal of delivering over 22,000 meals over the course of this holiday season. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Several organizations across Washtenaw County, including Trinity Health Hospital in Chelsea, are hosting free Thanksgiving dinners for those who wish to have some company during the holiday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The number of older people facing food scarcity is increasing in Washtenaw County. The Board of Commissioners is trying to help ease the burden through the Senior Millage. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels is facing rising demand in the face of federal funding cuts that are now targeting SNAP benefits. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) plays a vital role in keeping seniors across the community fed, connected, and supported. As federal and local funding streams face uncertainty, YMOW is faces rising demand for services. Lee Van Roth discussed the challenges with YMOW president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill" is now the law, and it includes significant cuts to many social safety net programs. That includes Medicaid and food programs. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels delivers a lot of meals provided by impacted food pantries to the community’s aging and homebound population. What will the impact be moving forward and what is the plan to accommodate the changes? WEMU's David Fair discussed it with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

Federal funding cuts are having a dramatic impact on our community's ability to keep people fed. Among the affected is Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. WEMU's David Fair talked with its executive director, Barbara Niess-May, about how the organization is overcoming the adversity now and whether it's sustainable.

Voters are in the process of deciding four different countywide ballot proposals. Proposal 3 would establish an older persons services millage. If approved, it would levy a half-mill of taxes to fund activities and services for Washtenaw County residents aged 60 and older. WEMU's David Fair gets a perspective on the issue with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Barbara Niess-May.

In 2024, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels will celebrate 50 years of service to the community. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate, but it comes with the understanding that there is much more work that lies ahead. Did you know the number of seniors living in poverty in Washtenaw County will double by the year 2040? In the meantime, government funding and access to caregivers continues to decline. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels marketing and development manager Danni Murphy about the plans for the upcoming holidays and for 2024 and beyond.