As the summer stretches on with irksome, fluctuating fuel costs, SeniorCare continues to brace for the impact. The surge in gas prices over the past year has stymied the nonprofit's Meals on Wheels program, offered to 60 clients in Ipswich, and its dining sessions at Whittier Manor and the Council on Aging.
"When gas prices go up as they have over the past year, we do not receive any extra funding but we still deliver meals," says Linnea Hagberg, SeniorCare Nutrition Program director.
SeniorCare, based in Gloucester, serves some 400 meals each day within its network of communities on Cape Ann and the North Shore.
The high gas prices are particularly tough on the mileage budget for the organization's 10 Ipswich drivers, who have widespread delivery routes.
"Ipswich is large and spread out," Hagbreg says. "Our drivers pick up all the Meals on Wheels orders at Whittier Manor and usually are out from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everyone is part time and there are a lot of different routes. We're trying not to keep them out on the road for really long times. They also check up on homebound patrons and talk to them on regular basis, Monday through Friday."
Hagberg also says rising meal tray fees are caused by high fuel costs.
"Its really a double-whammy," she says. "A petrol byproduct is used to make the trays. We have to use them for Meals on Wheels program."
In terms of commodities, Hagberg has seen the biggest increases in the price of bread and milk.
"Dairy prices vary month to month," she says. "But I think we're facing the same pressures everyone else is when going to the grocery store."
Seniors 60 years of age and older are encouraged to have lunch at Whittier Manor on Caroline Avenue. The Ipswich Council on Aging at Town Hall on Green Street also serves food once a month on site. Donations of $2 per meal are welcomed but not a requirement.
"A hard part of our budget is planning for donations," adds Hagberg. "We offer big well-balanced meals. It's a great value considering what you're paying for a cup of coffee at McDonald's, let alone Starbucks."
The Sodexo catering company supplies SeniorCare for its two programs. Preparing food within their facilities has become more expensive with soaring fuel rates. SeniorCare pays more for meals as a result.
"We have state requirements about what goes into our meals," she says. "We serve 8-ounce cartons of milk regardless of the cost."
With no relief in sight, SeniorCare is planning a fall fundraiser in Beverly in an attempt to offset the high gas prices. A Sept. 18 silent auction at Vittori Rocci Post on Brimbal Avenue is in the works.
"If any Ipswich businesses are interested in donating or sponsoring with the upcoming fundraiser we'd love to hear from them," says Hagberg.
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