Representative Danny Morgan Reports, Senior Nutrition Sites

I am very relieved to hear that after many months of reduced services, the six nutrition center sites in my district will resume their 5-day serving schedule for our senior citizens.

I believe that two of state government’s most important functions are to protect those at the beginning of their lives, our children, and those in the twilight of their life, our senior citizens.

I was very disturbed earlier this year when the director of the Department of Human Services decided to balance their agency’s budget at the cost of our senior citizens’ nutrition sites.

Our nutrition sites are much more than just a place to receive a hot meal. They provide many life-sustaining benefits. As a result of these cuts, senior citizens, church groups, nutrition workers and concerned citizens from across the state descended on our Capitol. They were there to draw attention to the seriousness of the situation that these cuts created. I was proud to stand with them as we rallied to influence the Governor and the budget-writers in the House of Representatives and the Senate to restore this important funding.

I will always remember the sight of our seniors waving empty plates to symbolize the harsh reality of this lost funding.

I am frustrated that for too many months, members of our greatest generation who had already been called to sacrifice much in their lives were now being asked to sacrifice more.

However, in the midst of these challenging times it was heartwarming to see so many churches, businesses and concerned citizens step up to fill the gap in these services and ensure our seniors continued to receive meals and communion.

That’s yet another reason why I like living in and representing our rural communities.

I will continue to remain wary of any future attempts to cut funding for our most vulnerable seniors. But at this time I am very relieved that the Project HEART senior nutrition cites in Carney, Chandler, Meeker, Prague, Sparks, Stroud and Wellston will be open again on Friday’s, and our seniors will have greater nutrition and resources to combat these dog days of summer.