Elderbridge tells Worth County it may face federal funding reductions; local meal sites prioritized
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Summary
Elderbridge’s Healthy Aging director presented the agency’s FY25 report, warned of possible federal funding declines that could create meal-site wait lists, and described local meal-site operations in Worth County.
Jody Alpveit, Healthy Aging Director for the regional aging agency (Elderbridge), presented the FY25 annual report and warned that federal funding levels are uncertain. She told supervisors the agency expects to draw on local county funds and other matches to meet a required 25% match for some federal grants.
“We're looking at probably being around down about $2,000,000, from the pandemic into next year when we look at '27,” Alpveit said, describing a possible reduction in federal funds. She said Elderbridge has set aside some contingency funds and is prioritizing service delivery to the highest-need clients to preserve core services.
Alpveit described local operations in Worth County: Elderbridge serves two meal sites in Worth County (Northwood Senior Center and Manly). The agency runs about 48 meal sites across 29 counties in the region and has been managing wait lists at some locations. She noted meal sites may convert some participants to a pay-for-service model where appropriate, while attempting not to close centers.
Board response and context Supervisors thanked Elderbridge for the work and expressed concern. Supervisor (Speaker 1) asked whether Elderbridge had heard any federal-level indicators of cuts; Alpveit said she had not seen definitive notice and that US Aging (the federal flow-through advocacy body) was encouraging “business as usual” at present. The agency reported it had not received federal monies that month but was receiving quarterly state allotments.
Why it matters Local meal programs and aging services rely on a mix of federal, state and county funds and voluntary donations; reductions in federal grants could force prioritization of services or increase local fiscal pressure. Worth County has two local meal sites that may be affected by reprioritization.
What’s next Elderbridge will continue to monitor federal funding and notify counties of any material changes; the board asked staff to stay informed about potential service impacts in Worth County.