Seniors in Caddo are among many being affected by cutbacks in nutrition programs made by the Department of Human Services (DHS) after Oklahoma officials attempt to deal with 5 percent cuts in the budget allocations of all state agencies.

Local senior nutrition sites who lost funding include Caddo, Calera, Kingston and Wapanucka.

As of Oct. 30, the Caddo nutrition center was dropped from the Southern Oklahoma Nutrition Program and will no longer be receiving hot meals five days a week to provide their seniors, both at the center and to seniors in their homes.

“We are not willing to let that die, it is vital for our seniors,” said Charla McMichael, Caddo city clerk. Caddo will attempt to keep serving meals at the nutrition center with donations and by seeking grants.

The Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) will continue to provide the center with two frozen dinners a month for seniors who are shut in their homes. However, McMichael and the city of Caddo recognize that amount is not enough.

Not only do these nutrition centers provide hot meal to seniors but they provide a place for fellowship. “They deserve to be contacted everyday and deserve a hot meal,” said McMichael. “It’s important to everyone in this town, they are our family and friends”.

The city of Caddo will hire a site manager for the center that will also act as a cook. Caddo has created an advisory board to oversee the center to help keep it running. A very helpful donation has been made to the center but the city of Caddo hopes people will continue to help keep it going with food donations and financial aid. Volunteers to help cook are also welcomed.

“We are going to carry on with the city’s help and donations,” said Debby Good, who has been volunteering at the center for three years.

To make a donation or volunteer at the Caddo nutrition center contact the Caddo city hall at (580) 367-2244.

Meanwhile the state is searching for a solution. A proposal is currently on the table that could reinstate the funding for Oklahoma’s senior nutrition centers. The state’s “Rainy Day” fund is also full and the Legislature has put aside approximately $600 million in the federal stimulus dollars allocated to Oklahoma for use in writing next year’s budget that could be called upon to restore the funding.

Calera Council will be discussing Calera’s Senior Center during a council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.