The Martin County Senior Citizens Center (MCSCC) is making a move to better serve the community’s senior residents by adding new vehicles to its meal delivery program.

This is thanks to support from the Martin County Fiscal Court.

This expansion will allow the center to reach more seniors who depend on these meals for their daily nutrition.

Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty’s acknowledgment of the adult hunger problem in the county and his successful push to secure funding to purchase these vehicles is a quality move on the county’s part.

Hunger among seniors is often out of view. For many senior residents, meal delivery is a lifeline. For some, a brief interaction with staff during delivery is a moment of connection and a check on their well-being, helping them to stay in their homes and avoid the dangers of malnutrition and isolation.

Currently, MCSCC delivers about 90 meals a day to homebound seniors, with another 60 meals served at the center or through curbside pickup. Despite these efforts, as MCSCC director Jennifer points out, only 24% of the county’s senior population is being served.

The new vehicles will help Crum and the center reach more senior residents.

Beyond meal delivery, MCSCC offers activities that support physical and mental health, making it an invaluable resource.

Meanwhile, it must overcome a $58,000 budget shortfall for FY 2025. Everyone can help this cause by encouraging senior residents to register for home meal delivery. As Crum said, there is no income or disability requirement – and an increased enrollment means increased federal and state allocations for the center.

Let us all make a good move.