Readers respond: Cuts affect the fragile and frightened

I am one of 2,000 local volunteers for Meals on Wheels People, and I am concerned about what federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mean for our low-income seniors.

This past year Meals on Wheels People served nearly 1.5 million meals — a 12% increase over the previous year— to over 11,400 individuals in the Portland-Vancouver area. I deliver meals, milk, bread, fruit and healthy snacks to some of these recipients each week.

Ever since the administration began publicizing its proposed cuts, many of the people for whom I deliver have asked me – often with tears in their eyes – what can be done to keep the program going. It’s not a luxury. It is their nourishment, safety and quality of life.

These cuts – along with cuts targeting public broadcasting, scientific and health research, and disaster response organizations – are especially difficult for older people who don’t have much money in the bank or other resources on which to draw.

While waste in large governmental programs may exist, it’s important to be accountable without hurting our most fragile and frightened neighbors. Making cuts without understanding the effects is simply wrong.

Beverly Rose, Portland