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September 30, 2025
 

Skagit County to Request Transition of Senior Nutrition Program to Alternate Provider

The Skagit Board of County Commissioners hosted a public meeting yesterday, September 29, with Public Health staff to discuss a recommendation to transition the contract for the senior nutrition program to an alternate provider in the community. As stated in a press release on September 9, 2025, the County Commissioners requested Public Health staff to present options for reducing the budget, including evaluation of either reducing hot congregate meals and hot meal deliveries or transitioning the senior nutrition program contract to a nonprofit. After today’s meeting, the County Commissioners directed Public Health to provide notice to the Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) that a new provider will be needed for the senior nutrition program starting July 1, 2026.

“Our highest priority when evaluating the senior nutrition program budget was to figure out how we can continue to offer opportunities for seniors to share meals together at the centers, and that delivered meals are available for the seniors who need it most,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Lisa Janicki. “Unfortunately, under the current model at the County, we no longer have the necessary funding available to continue offering meal services at the level our seniors deserve. We are confident a partnership with a nonprofit will be the best step forward to ensuring these services continue.” 

During a work session on Thursday, September 25th, Public Health recommended the Commissioners make no changes to the operation of senior centers and the associated programming. Public Health staff additionally recommended to maintain the current level of service for the senior nutrition program through June 30, 2026. Senior services, including the operation of senior centers and associated programming, are funded separately from the senior nutrition program, which includes hot congregate meals and hot and frozen Meals on Wheels deliveries. NWRC receives federal funding through the Older Americans Act that is awarded to Skagit County through a contract to provide senior nutrition services. 

The Older Americans Act allocation has stayed relatively stagnant for the last 40 years, which has led to an increased reliance on local funding to support the program. The rest of the senior nutrition program is funded primarily with County general fund dollars, fundraising events throughout the year, meal donations from clients, and contributions from the cities. Skagit County does not receive any federal or state funding for the operation of senior centers and associated programming. Senior centers are funded with County general fund dollars and support from the cities either monetarily or through the use of city-owned facilities for senior centers. 

“The senior meal program has been successful for many decades thanks to the generous donations and support from our community each year,” said Commissioner Ron Wesen. “However, the costs for the program have continued to rise each year and our fundraising efforts are unable to keep up with the growing reliance on local funding to support senior meals. Nonprofits around the state have shown their ability to more efficiently manage and fundraise for senior meals and we will provide strong support for the new provider as they take over the program.” 

Skagit County is facing a very difficult budget reality for 2026. The demand for senior services and the cost for staffing and food in our area has continued to outpace the funding we receive from NWRC and fundraising opportunities each year. Additionally, the Mount Vernon Senior Center facility is in dire need of repair or replacement; however, the repair and replacement cost estimates have been prohibitive. Senior services and the senior nutrition program are estimated to cost the County over $1.7M from the General Fund in 2026 alone, and if all current county operations and programs are maintained at 2025 levels, Skagit County will have approximately a $19M deficit in the general fund. The County Commissioners are carefully evaluating all budgets in early October to consider where reductions will need to be made to pass a balanced budget for 2026. 

“The general fund is one of our only sources of discretionary funding at the County,” said Commissioner Peter Browning. “Most of our services and projects, including support for homelessness services, veterans, roads, and restoration efforts, are paid for by funding sources that are restricted for the intended use, which means they cannot be reallocated to support other services like senior programs. Because of the looming deficit for 2026, we will be making some difficult decisions on how we’re spending general fund dollars.” 

The County Commissioners will have additional public work sessions with department staff and elected officials through October 1st to discuss 2026 budget requests. While these meetings are open to the public, no public comment will be taken during work sessions. The public is welcome to provide testimony regarding the 2026 preliminary budget at the public hearing on December 1st at 10:00 a.m., or during any of the regular public comment periods with the Commissioners. General public comment periods are scheduled most weeks and can be found on the Commissioner's weekly agenda. The next public comment period is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th, at 11:30 a.m. 

More information on the 2026 budget process and upcoming meeting schedule can be found on the Budget and Finance website. 

Written comments can be submitted at any time to the Commissioner’s Office at commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or via mail to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, Attn: 2026 Budget. 

Interested citizens can read more about the Skagit County Meals on Wheels program on our website. For more information, please reach out to the County Commissioners office at commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or by calling 360-416-1300.