Will County meal deliveries cut to four days a week

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Updated: February 21, 2012 8:36AM

JOLIET — The Senior Services Center of Will County has cut back the home-delivered meals from a five-day-a-week program to four days due to late payments by the state of Illinois.

The cut will affect 500 seniors on the meal program. Meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Almost half the funding for the home delivered meals programs comes from the state.

The center has not received any state money for home-delivered meals since September. The state owes the center almost $400,000.

The center has cut expenses where possible. Staff have not received raises in four years and have been asked to take furlough days.

The reduction in meals began the first week of January and will continue at least to the end of February.

The center is gearing up for its annual home-delivered meal fundraiser.

Mardi Gras 2012 will be 2-7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel, 151 N. Joliet St.

Items are being sought of the event’s silent auction, Sponsorships, ranging from $5,000 to $100, are available.

To contribute, contact the center at 815-740-4209.