BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ— The Martin County Senior Citizens Center ended its popular drive-up meal service this week as federal funding reductions forced a rollback of pandemic-era expansions, the program’s director announced.

Jennifer Jude Crum, the center’s program director, said the change is due to the expiration of supplemental federal support of Older Americans Act programs administered through the Aging & Social Services Department.

Those temporary funds had allowed the center to serve meals more flexibly during and after the pandemic. However, they concluded at the end of the last fiscal year.

As a result, Crum said, service levels for FY26 will revert to pre-COVID baselines to align with the current budget allocation.

“This rollback is necessary to remain within the financial parameters established for the current fiscal year,” she said.

As of Sept. 22, the center no longer offers drive-up meals.

Seniors may still eat inside the building daily from 11 a.m. to noon or pick up “Grab and Go” meals from 10:30 a.m. to noon. However, the program will limit Grab and Go to two days per week and participants must pick up those meals inside the building.

Participants can pick up meals only for themselves, not for friends or neighbors.

The center is also asking participants to reserve their meals by 9:30 a.m.

“This will allow us to know how much food we need to prepare so there is no food waste,” said Crum.

The director emphasized that she and staff members remain committed to serving seniors despite the cutbacks.

“We are truly sorry for any inconveniences and would love to see you inside our building enjoying lunch,” said Crum. “The change will be different but we will get through this together.”

Anyone with questions can contact Crum at 606-298-3459.