City partners with Area Agency on Aging Region X to keep senior center services and meal delivery running during federal funding delays
Joplin, Mo, 6 November 2025 – Joplin city officials have approved temporary financial support for Area Agency on Aging Region X to ensure that meals and services for seniors remain uninterrupted during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown has delayed federal payments that many senior programs rely on, creating funding shortages nationwide.
The Area Agency on Aging Region X oversees services for older adults in Joplin and surrounding communities. Executive Director Jennifer Shotwell asked the Joplin City Council for short-term assistance to maintain operations at the Joplin Senior Center and to continue home-delivered meals for seniors who depend on them.
City Manager Nick Edwards recommended the partnership, emphasizing the importance of protecting services for older residents.
“We’re in the midst of a unique challenge, and I’m proud to partner with the Area Agency on Aging to support our seniors,” Edwards said. “They helped build and strengthen this community. Supporting them now reflects our values as a city.”
Under the agreement, the city will provide approximately $60,000 per month to sustain operations. The funding will function as a week-to-week bridge loan until federal payments resume. Once federal funds are released, the agency is expected to repay the city.
Shotwell expressed gratitude to city leaders during the council meeting.
“It’s a very difficult time when your funding comes federally and the government is shut down,” she said. The agency covers expenses upfront and then submits reimbursement requests to the state. With the shutdown lasting over a month, Shotwell explained that operational funds are running low. Even after the shutdown ends, reimbursements could take up to eight weeks to arrive.
Rising food prices and staff wages have also contributed to the funding strain.
In October alone, the agency provided 7,000 meals, and 62% of those were delivered to seniors living alone. Many rely on meal delivery programs not only for nutrition, but for social connection.
“Meals on Wheels is the only human contact some people get,” Shotwell said.
City Council members asked clarifying questions about the reach of the program and budget protections. The city’s finance director, Leslie Haase, said she is confident the city can be repaid and confirmed that the city budget has enough buffer to allow temporary support.
The funding agreement was approved with eight council members voting in favor and one member absent.
