Meals on Wheels Abilene faces potential $1.9M budget cut, could reduce services by more than half

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Meals on Wheels Abilene, which serves 13 rural communities in addition to Abilene, is facing a potential budget cut of approximately $1.9 million. Executive Director Betty Bradley discussed the impact of “Title 20” funds, which she warns could be eliminated entirely, potentially leaving more than half of those who rely on daily meals without this service.

Meals on Wheels Abilene serves more than 1,800 people across the Big Country. If Title 20 funds are cut, the organization stands to lose about $1.9 million — roughly half of its total funding. This comes just months after the Abilene branch expanded its services by taking over the Anson Meals on Wheels branch.

Executive Director Betty Bradley received an email stating that the House Budget Committee has proposed the budget cut. Bradley noted that if these cuts are enacted, they may be forced to reduce the program significantly.

“If we lose Title 20 funds and the fact that we are already operating in the red… might very well mean that we would have to reduce our program by more than half,” Bradley explained.

Long-time board member Barry Moak expressed his devastation, knowing that anywhere up to 60% of those they serve rely on these meals as their primary source of nutrition each day.

“I want to cry, and I might,” Moak expressed.

KTAB/KRBC has reached out to Congressman Jody Arrington, who chairs the House Budget Committee, for comment. However, as of now, no response has been received.