13-day US government shutdown risks senior services

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The federal government has now been shut down for 13 days, and while many are waiting to see when it will reopen, local programs that rely on federal funding may soon feel the effects.
Becky Morrison with Senior Resources says their Meals on Wheels program provides vital support for older adults, along with services like Senior Companions. The organization relies on about $2.5 million in federal funding. Right now, they’re in a “wait-and-see” mode, hoping the shutdown will end soon.
“We’re not feeling major impacts from the government shutdown yet,” Morrison said. “But if it continues much longer, we do anticipate we might start feeling the effects.”
One program that may be impacted is the AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program, which matches older adults with companions to reduce isolation and provides mentors to children in schools. If the program folds, it could leave some older adults without the companionship they rely on, and students without needed mentorship.
“If that program folds, that older adult won’t get the companionship they’re expecting, which could increase isolation,” Morrison said. “It’s also a student who isn’t getting the mentorship they need from an older adult.”
If federal funding dries up, Morrison says they will turn to local donors and alternative plans to keep services running.
“We’re relying on our really generous donor base to step up and help us if we need help,” she said. “We’ll also have backup plans in place, with plans A, B, and C.”
For other programs, the state Department of Social Services says SNAP benefits for October are funded, but future payments are uncertain, pending federal guidance.
As for WIC services, the state Department of Public Health says,