Tucson non-profit suspending two food programs for seniors due to funding issues

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A Tucson non-profit is suspending two food programs for seniors and the homebound due to funding issues.

Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona told 13 News it is pausing its congregate meal program and home food delivery service.

“Suspending these services is devastating to our senior community,” said Catholic Community Services CEO Elena Dwyre.

Both programs will be suspended on June 15, and CCS said more than 300 seniors throughout the county will be impacted.

CCS is asking the community to help bridge the gap and said donations are needed to help those in our community. To make a donation, go HERE or call 520-670-0854.

“Halting these services was a last resort,” Dwyre said. “But we can no longer afford to provide these meals without reliable funding. This pause in service is deeply felt by the community, and we are committed to working with our partners and supporters to seek new pathways forward.”

For the congregate meals, the CCS said it will have to stop them due to state funding cuts to senior nutrition programs. CCS said the end of the COVID-era funding also hurt.

The congregate meal program provides hot meals for seniors at six locations across southern Arizona. In addition to the people who used the program, 24 staff members who work at the sites will be impacted.

“Our congregate meal centers provide more than just a meal — they serve as vital social hubs,” Dwyre said. “For many of our seniors, this is their only opportunity for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for mental health and combating social isolation.” For many years, these meal centers have relied on stable state funding for meals and staffing. However, recent cuts to senior nutrition programs have made their continued operation unsustainable.”

Those locations were the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center (101 West Irvington Road in Tucson), Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center (1660 West Ruthrauff Road in Tucson), Casa de Esperanza (780 Park Centre Drive in Green Valley), Ajo Senior Center (290 5th Street in Ajo), Saguaro Eastside (8302 East Broadway Boulevard in Tucson), and Quincie Douglas Center (1575 East 36th Street in Tucson).

CCS said it is working with the PCOA to transition older adults served at the Ajo site to home-delivered meals. In Green Valley, they hope the current site host can continue offering in-person congregate meals.

The Pima Council on Aging usually reimburses CCS for the food deliveries. The PCOA can’t do that, and the CCS said it can’t afford to do it without help. The PCOA and CCS said they are working together to find new funding partners.

“PCOA remains committed to ensuring older adults in our community continue to have access to the nutrition and support they need,” said Robert Ojeda, President and CEO of Pima Council on Aging. “We are working closely with Catholic Community Services and other partners to bridge gaps in service and explore long-term solutions. We understand how critical these programs are, and we are doing all we can to minimize disruptions for those who depend on them. Our priority is to ensure that the most essential needs of older adults in Pima County continue to be met with dignity and care.”

Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona said it is not affiliated with Catholic Community Services and the changes will not impact its programs. You can register for the Mobile Meals program HERE.

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