Waco Reporter

In response to needs that have been accentuated by COVID-19 lockdown orders, Gov. Greg Abbott has extended funding to provide meals to those in need. 

According to KXXV, on March 25, Gov. Abbott announced that the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living had directed $16.2 million in grant funds to the State of Texas. This money will provide meals to older adults who are in need. 

The $16.2 million is a portion of the $250 million fund from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that President Donald Trump signed on March 18. 

The program, which has its origins with the Older Americans Act of 1965, supplies over 2.4 million adults with meals delivered to homes and community centers. 

The areas of Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills and San Saba Counties have been given $304,295 through the Central Texas Area Agency on Aging. Those 60 or older are eligible for meals if they have been affected by the stay-at-home orders. 

Meals can be requested by through Hill Country Community Action at 325-372-5167, ext. 227, or toll free at 1-866-372-5167, ext. 227. 

Residents from other counties are eligible for meals and can contact the Area Agency on Aging. 

Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging is providing meals to those in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington Counties. They can be contacted at 1-800-994-4000 or 979-595-2806, ext. 5. 

Capital Area Agency on Aging is bringing meals to those in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson Counties and can be reached at 1-888-622-9111 or 512-916-6054. 

Finally, the Heart of Texas Area Agency on Agency is providing meals to those in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan Counties. They can be contacted at 1-855-937-2372 or 254-292-1855.