COLUMBUS – The State of Ohio is increasing funding for home-delivered meals to senior citizens, which is good for Knox County seniors who have relied on the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, the seniors were considered the most vulnerable population,” said Meredith Lowther, director of the Station Break, a senior center in Mount Vernon that sponsors a meal program. “Many seniors were not able to see family and friends, and most were scared to even go outside of their houses. The home-delivered meal program was the life blood for some seniors.”

Statewide, the number of seniors receiving home-delivered meals has increased from 40,044 to 60,433 during the pandemic, a rise of nearly 50%, the State said.

“As the pandemic continues, we still are delivering those much-needed meals, and the seniors have been grateful to know that we are still there looking after them,” Lowther said. “We have heard that the State will be providing additional funding to the home-delivered meals program and are grateful that they see the continued need. The senior centers work  with a very small budget and funding is always a concern, especially when you are in a pandemic. Any additional funding the State can provide will be much appreciated.”

On Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board approved the Ohio Department of Aging’s request for $6.13 million in additional funding for the meals program.

The funds will be disbursed to Ohio’s area agencies on aging to supply in-home meals to eligible Ohio seniors, the department said in a news release.

“This funding comes at a critical time and will help sustain our efforts to provide nutritional food to those that need it,” Ursel J. McElroy, director of the Department of Aging, said in the release.

The Ohio Department of Aging serves as an advocate for state residents 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities, the release said. Programs include home- and community-based long-term supports and services.