Edmond Senior Meal Program Restarted Thanks to Donations

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Hungry seniors in Oklahoma have had to find another way to get hot meals since state budget cuts slashed nutrition programs in October. But the city of Edmond has come up with a plan to keep their older citizens fed.

Edmond, along with community support, has gathered enough funding through donations to start a meal program back up. It's began Tuesday and will initially serve hot meals three days each week.

The senior center in Edmond is bustling again with older citizens, coming together to eat a warm meal.

But it hasn't been this crowded since the end of October when the city's nutrition program was cut from the state budget.

"It just seemed that it almost dried up. It was a sad thing, because this was such a beautiful facility," said senior Stan Noxon.

Sixty-five meals were served here every day of the week at one time, feeding many of Edmond's hungriest.

"The hardest part is Edmond does have a perception out there of being a community that's on top of things that moves ahead, and one of Oklahoma's most blessed communities. But I think what people don't understand is that we also have a section of our population that needs help, and that needs these meals," said Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas.

Now, meals are being served again on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week because of private donations from the community. The $11,000 collected so far is expected to fund the program for three months until the legislature reconvenes.

"We've invited our churches, our universities, a lot of philanthropic groups to play a part," said Douglas.

In the meantime, these seniors will not only be getting the nutrition they need, they'll also be enjoying great company once again.

"People need people. At least I do and that's why we're here," Noxon said.

Until they're able to prove to the legislature that the funds for the meal program are well spent in their community, Edmond will continue to accept donations to keep this running.

If Edmond receives a substantial number of contributions, the city will consider expanding the meal program to five days a week.

More on News9.com: Edmond Looks for Donations to Revive Senior Meal Program