SPRINGFIELD, IL – On November 1, 2024, BCMW Community Services was forced to suspend their meal centers in Centralia and Salem, due to lack of funding. In a letter to the community, BCMW said the decision to suspend the meal centers comes “due to [their] reserve funding being exhausted and the ongoing challenges [they] have faced with the timely receipt of reimbursements from the US Department of Aging.”
When State Representative Charlie Meier got word of this problem, he worked with his House Republican colleagues to come up with a solution.
“We cannot allow our seniors to go without the support they need,” said Meier. “It is simply unacceptable that the democrats in Springfield have dropped the ball on this. Meals on Wheels is not just a program, but a lifeline for many Illinois seniors who may not have access to other means of receiving daily hot meals.”
Rep. Meier worked with local, state, and federal agencies to find any path to continue the meal delivery services. When no long-term solution was reached, Meier joined House Minority Leader Tony McCombie to come up with a legislative solution.
The House Republicans have introduced HB5911, the “Feed Our Seniors Act.” This legislation would redirect $25 million from General Revenue Fund to the Department on Aging for the Home Delivered Meals Program by diverting funding from the Department of Human Services for Illinois Welcoming Centers. Rep. Charlie Meier is Chief Co-Sponsor of this legislation.
“When BCMW had to stop providing their Meals on Wheels, I knew I had to do something,” Meier continued. “Our state is spending over 1 billion dollars on illegal immigrants, while programs that Illinoisans rely on are forced to make tough decisions due to lack of funding. Our priorities need to shift. Illinois citizens should come first.”
Meier expressed frustration with the lack of accountability. “Each day, a new finger is pointed at someone else. No one is willing to take the blame and solve the problem, and our seniors are not getting hot daily meals that they deserve. Let’s have a committee hearing on HB5911 and get to the bottom of this.”