Date: April 11, 2008
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Public Affairs
(785) 296-6154
As the April 15 filing deadline approaches, Kansans are reminded that they still have an opportunity to help Meals on Wheels programs across the state when they file their Kansas income taxes. The Senior Citizen Meals on Wheels Contribution Program last year provided $132,000 to supplement nutrition services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
“The Meals on Wheels program helps many people continue to live independently,” Kathy Greenlee, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, said. “This year, nutrition programs across the state are facing additional costs because of the increase in the minimum wage, the need to replace aging equipment, and the rising cost of food and gasoline.”
Individuals receiving a state income tax refund can indicate in the designated space on the tax form an amount of the refund they would like to contribute to the Meals on Wheels program. Contributions can range from one dollar to all of the filer’s refund.
Individuals who owe state taxes also can contribute by indicating the amount they want to donate in the designated space and writing a check for the tax balance due plus the amount contributed to the Senior Citizen Meals on Wheels Contribution Program.
The check-off funds are distributed to the meal programs according to a formula based on the number of meals served. The money supplements client donations and local, state and private funds that are leveraged by the federal Older Americans Act funds to support Meals on Wheels, as well as voluntary support for these programs.
Last year, nearly 1.8 million meals were provided to eligible participants in their homes, and another 1.6 million meals were served at congregate meal sites throughout the state. Of those receiving home-delivered meals, about 70 percent were women age 75 or older and more than 50 percent lived alone.
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