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The Missouri House Budget Committee voted a few weeks ago to cut $2.1 million dollars from the state's senior meals program.  The Executive Director for the Northeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging told us 16 counties share $808,000 in federal and state dollars each year.

She says if $2.1 million dollars is cut, those counties will lose more than $117,000.  That translates to more than 18,000 meals, leaving many seniors with empty plates.

Debbie Catlett is the Exectutive Director of the Hannibal Nutrition Center. She and members of the community have launched an S.O.S or Save Our seniors Campaign, to make sure seniors have meals on the table.

Are seniors meals in jeopardy?

Debbie Catlett says," Yes they are."

Catlett told KHQA the center delivers about 350 meals to seniors at home each day. The budget cut would reduce that by 25% She says not only would this pinch to the budget reduce services, it would leave some seniors out in the cold, and even worse...

"I think what you're going to see in Northeast Missouri, especially in the smaller communities, it could mean the end of senior centers with the lack of funding. And here in Hannibal, it may mean a cut of meals or it will mean an additional need for fundraising effort," Catlett said.

Seniors are not backing down without a fight. More than 1,000 paper plates are packed in crates ready to be taken to state lawmakers. The plates may be empty, but they're full of heartfelt messages from seniors pleading that their only meal not be taken away.

We talked to Missouri Representative Brian Munzlinger. He told us because of the state's $400 million dollar deficit, cuts have to be made.  He says the budget chairman proposed these cuts to save the state money and to keep from raising taxes. He says there's federal money in grants available because of the recent stimulus. But Catlett says that just won't do, because that stimulus money is a one time deal, still leaving seniors at a loss next year.

The Missouri House heads back to session this week. They'll continue to discuss budget issues.

"I hope that the House and Senate realize these people are voters, and that they need to realize that these voters need to eat. We cannot do this to senior citizens who need good nutrition," Catlett said.

Hannibal Nutrition Center Executive Director Debbie Catlett says the plates along with the seniors messages will be taken to Jefferson City on Tuesday.

If you'd like to voice your concern, you can go to the Hannibal Nutrition Center at 219 S. 10th Street.