Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor: Lee Ayers and his daughter Tina Parrish raise concern about Congregate Meal program.

An urgent plea went out this week seeking support for the Webster City Congregate Meal program, which has been served out of the senior center in downtown Webster City for years.

At a time when young families and children are facing food insecurity, our senior members, our elderly, are also facing this stark reality.

Lorraine Crawford, President of the Webster City Congregate Meals — WCCM, sent a letter to area churches in addition to informing those who rely on these meals that the program will be out of money by January.

Crawford, in her letter, invites senior adults over 60 years of age to eat noon meals at the rear of the RSVP building located at 749 Second Street. Twenty years ago, the room was usually full. Since Covid, attendance has dropped off. Awareness of the program may be part of the problem, so more participation will make the program more stable.

“We serve a group of seniors who eat together at noon or may drive up to pick up the prepared meals from 11 to 11:30 p.m. at the back door of the building,” Crawford said. “But we are expecting to close our serve to seniors in January 2026 due to small attendance. Our supporting group at Elderbridge Agency on Aging in Mason City has received cuts financially, like so many agencies.”

Tina Parrish, who lives in Washington State brought the letter and her concerns to the Daily Freeman Journal Thursday. Her father, Lee Ayers, eats meals at the Senior Center each day they serve.

“Living so far away, it makes me feel more comfortable to know he has a good meal at least four days a week,” she said.

Ayers, who is 97 years old, enjoys the meals. “We all get together and solve the problems of the world,” he joked.

But his daughter quickly stated, “It’s the company and socialization he needs, in addition to the meals.”

WCCM receives partial reimbursement for groceries and cooks wages from Elderbridge.

“Our current bills ($2,000) including rent to the city will not keep our $4,000 bank account lasting much longer.” Crawford stated.

Memorials honoring former members has helped sustain the meal program, but they have also tried to create other money-making efforts.. They need not only cash donations, but also community members to join with them to keep the cash flow solvent.

The meals are prepared on site and better than any fast food, according to Crawford. The individual meal cost is from $7 to $10, a price recommended by Elderbridge. But Crawford says it’s really “what the individual can afford to pay.”

They don’t turn anyone away.