BUTLER, Pa. — A lifeline for senior citizens is facing funding problems.
President Donald Trump’s budget proposal would slash federal funding for Meals on Wheels.
The Meals on Wheels program in the city of Butler won’t be affected because, for 48 years, it has survived on community donations. Each week, the program feeds 100 needy people Monday through Friday.
“I love to come to work. I love to help our community,” said Mary Pataky, the director of the program.
Volunteers spend their time cooking the meals at a local church, then load them into bags.
Volunteer Tom Menchyk said his mother benefited from the program for years, so it was his turn to give back.
“Sometimes, this is the only contact the seniors get, the only food they get, the only interaction they get,” Menchyk said.
While this center won’t be affected, volunteers are worried about similar programs in other communities.
“It really makes me mad. It makes me angry. These are the most vulnerable in our society,” Tom said.
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