The Gallup City Council discussed three awards relating to the city’s senior program during their Aug. 24 meeting.

Kimberly Ross-Toledo, coordinator for the Gallup Senior Program, detailed the three contracts to the council.

The first was a COVID-19 CARES Federal Subaward for about $68,488 to provide services until Sept. 30. This award is based on the assessed need of the community and individuals receiving services in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, and is meant to support older adults in maintaining independent and healthy lifestyles, and address food insecurity and nutrition.

The second and third contracts are from the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging in the amount of about $324,148 and the Nutrition Service Incentive Program for about $46,330. The NMAAA funds are used specifically for providing transportation, congregate meals, and home-delivered meals among other services.

The NSIP food budget faced a decrease of about $328, Ross-Toledo said the multiple awards will be able to cover the budget changes.

“Because we have the COVID supplemental funds [from CARES], it will help offset some of the deficits we might have,” Ross-Toledo said.

Dist. 4 Councilor Fran Palochak asked how many meals are being served by the senior program as well as how they are being served.

“Currently we are serving 200 home-delivered meals,” Ross-Toledo said. “Those are for high-risk seniors and also seniors who usually receive congregate meals, but live within the city.”

Ross-Toledo said there are about 100 seniors who drive up every day and pick up the meals from the senior center.

“I just wanted to make sure our seniors are getting the nutritious meals they need, so this [number] seems appropriate,” Palochak said.

The council moved to approve the awards with a 5-0 vote.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent