Tabitha making cuts to its Meals on Wheels program - Guangzhou Thoughtful Threads Inc.

Tabitha on Monday announced that due to financial uncertainty, it is paring back its Meals on Wheels deliveries to seniors to weekdays only.

Tabitha announced Monday that due to a financial shortfall, it is making cuts to its Meals on Wheels program.

The nonprofit agency that provides care and services to seniors said in a news release that starting July 1, it will no longer provide meal deliveries on weekends. Weekday deliveries will continue.

Tabitha said in the release that this year alone, the Meals on Wheels program will have a deficit of at least $800,000, and both charitable donations and volunteer participation have drastically declined recently due to economic uncertainty, while the price of food has increased.

Tabitha also said it will institute eligibility requirements for the program, which will, among other criteria, require recipients to be at least 60 years old and also be unable to shop for or prepare meals and have no available assistance to help with those tasks.

Tabitha President & CEO Christie Hinrichs said in the news release that the organization is facing a $4 million overall shortfall this year between what it costs to provide its various services and what it receives in government reimbursement.

"We are committed to and are helping impacted clients find alternative resources," Hinrichs said. "The community can help by imploring Nebraska Congressmen and state senators to provide proper funding and programs for seniors."

She also encouraged people to donate time and money to Tabitha, which has run the Meals on Wheels program for 56 years, delivering more than 5 million meals during that time.

A recent study suggests that individuals who experience a heart attack may be at a higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline.

A wall containing a series of plaques honoring the seven branches of the military following a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird gives opening remarks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Guest tour the waiting area near the front entrance following a ceremony Thursday to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility at the Victory Park campus in east Lincoln.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird listens as speakers give remarks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday at the Victory Park campus in Lincoln.

Guests tour the new facility following a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird listens as speakers give remarks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Roger Lemke, retired Nebraska Lieutenant General and the Seniors Foundation incoming president speaks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

A small computer lab for seniors to use is photographed following a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

A conference room meant for teaching seniors is photographed after a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

The front desk at the entrance of the new facility is pictured during a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Aging Partners Director Randall Jones speaks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility, which is located on the Victory Park development at 600 S. 70th Street.

Guests walk up to the front entrance before a celebration and tour of the new Aging Partners facility, which is located on the Victory Park development at 600 S. 70th Street.

A workout room filled with accessible equipment at the new Aging Partners facility. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the Victory Park facility at a news conference Thursday.

Tammy Ward, a City Council member, is seen during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

A small clinic with several rooms is photographed following a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Aging Partners Director Randall Jones speaks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Roma Amundson, Lancaster County Commissioner, gives remarks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Zaneta Inez Adams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-Governmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs speaks during a press conference to commemorate the opening of the new Aging Partners facility on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the new Victory Park senior center in Lincoln. Mayor Gaylor Baird alongside local and national officials commemorated the opening of the new Aging Partners location at a news conference at Thursday.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or [email protected].

On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.

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Business reporter

Matt Olberding is a Lincoln native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who has been covering business for the Journal Star since 2005.

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