Appendix B Convening Data.pdf

In November 2017, the Amarillo Area Foundation, Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation, High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, and Mary E. Bivins Foundation organized a convening to address senior food insecurity in the Texas Panhandle. The discussion, facilitated by Linda Pitner, involved 16 participants from 13 organizations, including local government, service providers, funders, and community organizations. The convening aimed to mobilize insights and support for assessing and addressing the needs of food-insecure seniors in the region.

Participants shared perspectives on the growing number of seniors needing food assistance, with Catholic Charities serving 710 clients and the Food Bank reporting a 25% increase in senior clients. The group discussed key statistics, including the growing number of 55+ individuals in Amarillo, increasing poverty among seniors, and decreasing funding for programs. The AAA reported a decline in its FoodNet program due to funding cuts, from 550 to 270 seniors.

Participants highlighted underutilized programs and services, citing pride, awareness, ease of access, and lack of accurate information as possible reasons. They also discussed varied perspectives on waiting lists, with the AAA believing it could add 100 eligible individuals, while Meals on Wheels had only one person on its waiting list. The AAA shared data on the differences between rural counties and Amarillo, with Potter and Randall counties being underserved.

Concerns were raised about the lack of services in smaller communities, such as Friona and Bovina. Participants discussed various types of assistance, including home delivery, congregate sites, food pantries, and senior box programs. Detailed information was provided on programs such as Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank's Mariposa Congregate Meal, and the Area Agency on Aging's FoodNet program.

Participants emphasized that their programs provide more than just food, with ACTS Community and Meals on Wheels highlighting the importance of community and allowing clients to stay in their homes. The convening aimed to engage potential partners and organizations to strengthen systems addressing senior food insecurity in the Panhandle.