HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD) and Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) jointly announced on Sept. 25 that a significant reduction in state funding will force immediate changes to the region’s Senior Home Delivered Meals program, a vital service for older adults.

PeADD shared in a news release that state funding reductions were recently communicated by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), with the region facing a shortfall of nearly $1.5 million for the program. They said that after careful review and joint discussions, PeADD and PACS staff determined that the funding reduction cannot be absorbed without substantial cuts to service.

PACS oversees the Christian County Senior Center, which also provides meals for other counties in the Pennyrile region. Feeding these additional counties along with their prep for meals served at the center requires a lot of coordination and dedication from staff and volunteers.

Currently, over 750 seniors in the region receive home-delivered meals, five days per week. Under the new funding constraints, that number could decrease to fewer than 300 clients, leaving many vulnerable community members without consistent access to this essential program.

Reaction from staff, impact on Christian County

“This is a heartbreaking and unavoidable decision,” said Jason Vincent, Executive Director of PeADD. “We know the hardship this will cause for many seniors and families across our region. We are committed to doing everything possible to prioritize those most in need, and we will continue to advocate for the restoration of funding.”

In Christian County alone, cooks at the local senior center prepare around 200 hot meals every day that are hand delivered to seniors in the county. Rachel Newman, the director of aging at Pennyrile Allied Community Services, previously told Christian County Now that the program allows seniors to have a consistent nutritious diet, with delivery drivers also acting as a lifeline for seniors that are often living alone.

Harold Monroe, Executive Director of PACS, echoed these concerns, “For many of our clients, the daily meal delivery is more than just nutrition, it’s also a wellness check and human connection. Reducing this service is devastating, and we will work tirelessly to make sure those with the greatest need continue to receive support.”

PeADD and PACS say they are communicating directly with all meal recipients to explain the reduction in service and providing information about additional resources available throughout the region. They also emphasized that they are actively seeking additional resources to support the program and will keep the community informed as developments occur.

Both organizations are encouraging community members to express their concerns about the funding reduction by contacting the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, CHFS Listens at 1-833-372-0004 (Menu Options – Press 9) or by email at CHFS.Listens@ky.gov. If you need assistance with food resources, please contact the Pennyrile ADRC at 1-866-844-4396.

| MORE ABOUT SENIOR MEALS: PACS staff acts as lifeline for Christian County seniors with home delivered meals program