Funding cuts appear imminent for a nutrition program for area seniors as a result of across-the-board budget cuts resulting from the sequestration of federal funds.

The probable cuts come at a time when the nutrition program is rebounding under the guidance of a new program administrator. The program came close to faltering about nine months ago when the Muskogee County Community Action Foundation terminated its contract with Eastern Oklahoma Development Districts Area Agency on Aging.

Ernie Moore, EODD executive director, said state officials estimate the feeding program could see cuts of about 5.9 percent within the next few weeks. The actual impact on the program will not be known until the impact of the sequester is fully understood.

Its hard to do any forecasting very far out because you dont know what is going to happen, Moore said this past week. They were talking about 7.9 percent, now they are talking closer to 5.9 percent. It could be anywhere from 13 percent to 2 percent.

Figures provided by EODD, which administers the grants for the senior nutrition program, show federal funds make up from 55 percent to 59 percent of the programs annual budget. The programs annual budget, including state grants, averaged about $1.41 million during the past three years.

Sharon Elder, Area Agency on Aging director, said the senior nutrition program began to rebound in September under new management. She said meal deliveries have increased, and the number of people eating at congregate locations also is up.

Everybody has been taken off the waiting list we dont have waiting lists anymore, Elder said. While the number of meals fluctuated under MCCAF, we are seeing a steady increase of meals being served now we dont know how these cuts will affect that.

Moore said across-the-board budget cuts predicted as a result of sequestration will impact every aspect of the program. Because the federal fiscal year and the agencys fiscal years do not align the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1, and EODDs fiscal year, like the state, the counties and most municipalities begin July 1 sequestration will affect the remainder of this year and at least the first three months of next years budget.

As long as they do it this way, its going to affect everything, Moore said. They need to go in with a scalpel, not a machete. Sometimes I really dont think they know who they are hurting.

U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin reports about the impact of sequestration that came out before it took effect March 1 were all gloom and doom scenarios. Mullin, a Westville Republican who represents the states 2nd Congressional District, said while he hasnt heard about the impact sequestration might have on nutrition programs, he doesnt expect it will be as harsh as some might expect.

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Nutrition program faces cuts