Cheektowaga, NY — The Cheektowaga Democratic Committee is calling attention to the recent decision by the Town of Cheektowaga’s Republican leadership to cut funding for the local Meals on Wheels program — a move Democrats say will directly harm the town’s seniors and most vulnerable residents.
At the town board meeting last night, the Republican majority voted to reduce financial support for Meals on Wheels, a program that provides daily hot meals and wellness checks for homebound older adults. Local Democratic officials and community advocates are speaking out, urging residents to remember this decision when they cast their ballots during early voting and on Election Day.
“This cut is not just a line item — it’s a lifeline being taken away from our seniors,” said Lynn Dearmyer, Chairwoman of the Cheektowaga Democratic Committee. “For many of our older residents, the Meals on Wheels delivery is their only daily human contact. Cutting this program is unacceptable.”
Democrats argue the funding reduction reflects misplaced priorities and warn that it could increase strain on families and healthcare systems as more seniors face food insecurity.
“The Town’s contribution amounted to less than $1 per meal,” said Town Supervisor Brian Nowak. “By cutting grant funding to Feedmore, they’re adding to the funding cuts to foodbanks and food support that Republican politicians all over the United States are implementing and supporting.”
Community members have expressed concern about how the cuts will impact local seniors who rely on the service for both nutrition and companionship.
Stephen Nowicki, candidate for Town Council said, “When times are getting tougher the last thing local government needs to do is help people less. This has been tried before and was unacceptable then, it’s still unacceptable now. Helping seniors shouldn’t be a low priority.”
“Slashing nearly $30,000 from Meals on Wheels threatens the well-being of Cheektowaga’s most vulnerable residents. This isn’t just a budget line; it’s a heartbeat,” said Tiffany Lewis, candidate for Town Council and longtime advocate for senior dignity. “Meals on Wheels is more than a meal. It’s a promise that our elders are seen, calued, and cared for. Cutting this funding cuts into the very soul of our community.
“Making cuts to the most vulnerable is something I vehemently oppose. Meals on Wheels brings food but also ensures that seniors have social contact and are seen. Cutting the budget by more than half will affect distribution, and that will affect the service being provided to our home-bound seniors,” says Monica Elderkin, candidate for Town Council.
Councilmember Brian Pilarski, who is on the ballot for re-election this year, says “It’s unfortunate that funding was cut for Meals on Wheels, a service that delivers more than just food – it delivers independence and a social connection to our homebound seniors. We should be finding ways to strengthen safety nets like this, not weaken them.”
“Budgets reflect values,” added Chairwoman Dearmyer. “The Republican majority’s decision tells us their values don’t include protecting our elderly neighbors. Voters should remember who stood up for them — and who didn’t — this November.
We are encouraging residents to volunteer with local aid organizations and to make their voices heard at the polls during early voting and on Election Day.
