Although the home-delivered meals provided by the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization (ILCCAO) recently stopped, due in part to the defeat of the Lawrence County Senior Citizen’s levy, many seniors in Lawrence County continue to receive their home-delivered meals, thanks to the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7).

The region served by the AAA7 is made up of 10 of the most southern counties in Ohio, including Lawrence County. This non-profit organization has provided information, assistance, and services for 40 years to older adults and their families.

Home-delivered meals is a service that is provided to eligible seniors nationwide through federal funding, called the Older Americans Act. Some other funds, such as Medicaid, can also provide home-delivered meals for eligible individuals over age 60. The AAA7 receives these funds, and then contracts with agencies and organizations to provide in-home services, such as home-delivered meals, to those seniors who qualify. Additional services could include homemaking, personal care, emergency response systems, transportation, etc.

In the past, the home-delivered meals service in Lawrence County was provided by the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization (ILCCAO) through a contract with the AAA7. Unfortunately, with the defeat of the Lawrence County Senior Citizen’s levy, the ILCCAO determined its could no longer provide the required matching funds to continue serving the home-delivered meals to seniors in Lawrence County.

Realizing the impact this loss of service would have on many seniors in Lawrence County, the AAA7 acted quickly so there seniors would continue receiving their meals at home. For many of the seniors, their home-delivered meal service has not been interrupted as a result of the ending of the ILCCAO Meals on Wheels Program.

“The Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization has been a partner with us in serving the residents of Lawrence County for almost 30 years, but we understand with the financial issues created by the defeat of levy, they have had to make some very tough decisions,” stated Nina R. Keller, Director of Planning and Assistant Director with the Area Agency on Aging District 7. “Our commitment is to continue to provide much needed services through contracts with other organizations and agencies. We are pleased that other service providers stepped up quickly so that seniors did not go without the home-delivered meals they need.”

To inquire about home-delivered meals or other services provided through the Area Agency on Aging District 7, call the AAA7 Resource Center at 1-800-582-7277, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Here, individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org.

The agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.