Bay Area senior meal services threatened as rising gas prices strain Meals on Wheels programs

"Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, which provides food to about 2,000 seniors each week, is seeing the effects as both staff and volunteers face higher fuel expenses. Matt Daly, a driver with the program, regularly delivers meals to seniors like Jerome McShane, who is homebound with a broken back and relies on social security. "I get about $2,000 a month. Total. I would just have to scrimp, if that's a good word," McShane said with a laugh."

"The program depends heavily on volunteers, who make up about 80% of drivers. They use their own vehicles and pay for their own gas. On Wednesday, more than 15 volunteer drivers prepared to deliver meals to about 200 people. MORE: US grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren't the only reason Volunteer Andy Lee said he plans to keep helping despite the rising costs. "It kind of brings to mind how difficult all our clients have it. The cost -- they would outspend if we didn't help them out with these meals," Lee said."

"However, officials said Lee may be an exception. Meals on Wheels typically sees a decline in volunteer participation during the summer months, and higher gas prices could make that drop more pronounced. Skylar Schaefer with Meals on Wheels Diablo Region said operating costs have already increased significantly. "Just a few weeks ago, it cost $90 to fill one of our delivery vans. Now, we are seeing $120 or more. So, it's just impacting what we are already able to do with our limited funding," Schaefer said."

"Schaefer said about 500 seniors are currently on a waitlist in Contra Costa County. The organization was forced to cut breakfast deliveries in February due to federal funding cuts. Now, rising gas prices are forcing leaders to consider further ch"

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region delivers food to about 2,000 seniors each week in the East Bay. Higher fuel costs are increasing expenses for both staff and volunteer drivers, many of whom use their own vehicles and pay for gas. Volunteers make up about 80% of drivers, and some continue helping despite the added burden. Operating costs have risen, including the cost to fill delivery vans, which has increased from about $90 to $120 or more. The program faces limited funding, a waitlist of about 500 seniors, and earlier reductions to breakfast deliveries due to federal funding cuts. Officials warn that further service impacts may occur if costs continue rising.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco