Increased food and fuel costs for senior meals has non-profit asking Eddy County for help
Funding shortages and increased demand for senior citizens services has the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation seeking $20,000 in help from Eddy County.
Belinda Lopez, senior citizens program director for the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation (SNMCAC), requested the funds during the April 2 Eddy County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
She said because the cost of food is increasing and more senior citizens are utilizing the services - including increased demand for meal delivery - the nonprofit is looking to Eddy County as an additional resource.
“We have had a budget shortfall. I blame it on COVID (-19). It just has never quit since COVID,” she during the meeting.
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SNMCAC offers meals for senior citizens, senior companion program, foster grandparent program and adult respite, per the organization’s website.
In a memorandum to commissioners, Gonzales said seniors can sit down for meals in Carlsbad and Artesia.
Meals are also delivered to senior citizens 60 years of age and older in Carlsbad, Artesia and Loving and rides are offered to the meal sites in Carlsbad and Artesia, said Gonzales.
Across Eddy County in 2023 more than 37,000 meals were served at the two meal sites and nearly 74,000 meals were provided to 437 homebound seniors.
Lopez said some senior citizens in the Carlsbad area choose home delivered meals instead of driving to the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center at 120 Kircher Street in south Carlsbad due to increased oil and gas traffic.
“Some of our seniors are no longer driving. They live alone or they’re afraid to drive in Carlsbad,” she said.
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“We’ve had a big increase in expenses. We’ve had an increase cost in fuel and gas (prices),” Lopez added.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated gas prices averaged $3.52 a gallon in 2023. The highest gas price last year occurred in the middle of September at $3.88 a gallon. AAA’s New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch noted gas prices across the state rose 15 cents from March 28 to April 4.
Local funding 'crucial' to senior meal program in Carlsbad
Lopez said meals and other senior citizens services would not exist without local support.
She said the New Mexico Aging Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) does not fully fund senior programs as local governments and community funding are expected to fill in gaps.
An informational packet prepared by SNMCAC for commissioners noted that fundraising and grant proposals are part of community fundraising efforts.
More: Extra space and new equipment awaits Carlsbad senior citizens at new senior center
“I apply for United Way grants, I fight for Chevron grants. I’m struggling right now to get grants,” Lopez said.
In the county commission information packet, SNMCAC noted the senior programs help those in need first.
“With the rising numbers of our senior population, the increased cost of food and gas, and the lack of United Way funding this year, we will not be able to continue without help,” read the SNMCAC document.
Kyle Marksteiner, director of Eddy County United Way, said $98,000 in funds were provided in 2023 to SNMCAC.
In her memo, Gonzales said county staff asked commissioners consider the $20,000 in funding to help SNMCAC for the 2025 fiscal year.
“To ensure this program can continue to help Eddy County’s most vulnerable senior citizens avoid food insecurity,” she wrote.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Help sought from Eddy County for senior citizens meals
