Imagine a day without food. That is something that many seniors in Sulphur and throughout Southern Oklahoma are facing with the rising cost of gas and food.

Norma Wallace, site manager and Rebekah Williams, outreach specialist, for the Southern Oklahoma Nutrition Center, said their jobs get more difficult every day.

"We are only allowed to service clients over 60 years of age," Williams said. "This senior group we service now has been through so much history, and now they are making history again by becoming the largest senior population ever. This has not been a sudden surprise as we have been hearing about this for the last 5-10 years. And in the next 10 years, 30 percent of the population is going to be over 80 years of age. We did not take the adequate steps to fund these programs in the past."

Williams said in Sulphur alone, the center is preparing 60 meals a day, every day of the week. In Davis, it is 35 meals once a week and that includes Dougherty and in Mill Creek the center provides 10 meals a day. As most of the meals are delivered, gas and food prices are causing the program to struggle financially. The county has helped out the center by providing a truck and helping with the cost of gas. But to cover the cost of food, the program depends on donations from seniors.

"We do not charge for meals to seniors over 60 years of age," Williams explained. "But, one exception to that is if you are under 60 and live with a senior, there is no charge for the meal. The average donation from seniors is about $1.50 per day. But we don't want anyone to feel pressured to pay that amount, they should pay whatever they can."

The Nutrition Center gets funding from the federal government with a state match through the SODA Area Department of Human Services, who monitor the health issues of the seniors and check to see that the center is following the guidelines of the state.

The center also allows seniors to come and have their meal in a congregate setting at the center. But, the demand is growing on a monthly basis. According to Williams, in February, food costs were $80,000 and in March the food costs rose to $95,000.

"We serve approximately 1 million meals at our 22 sites in 10 area counties, " Williams said. "That $95,000 cost is just for food. It does not include the fuel prices or the cost of paper supplies. We also deliver into rural sites once a week in Oak Grove, Davis, Mill Creek and 5 Lakes. "

One of the problems Williams is seeing more of is the rationing of the meals by seniors to make them last longer.

"In our homebound program, a senior will often get a meal at lunch and only eat part of it to make sure they have something to eat for dinner, " Williams explained.

Some changes may have to be made to the program if there is a cut in funding to the program in the next two years.

Among the changes that could take place are, cutting rural routes because of the rising gas prices, finding caregivers to come to the site to pick up meals for seniors which can help add two weeks of meals to the program by cutting fuel and delivery costs.

The Nutrition Center is a not-for-profit center than is allowed to take donations. Among the ways people can help is by joining the center 's Adopt A Senior program. In that program, a person can donate $30 to help feed a senior for one month.

Williams said her reason for coming to work with the program is based on her own experience with her father.

"My dad had Alzheimer 's and I took care of him for four years," she said. "He would come to the center to eat and spend time with other seniors. I was told they needed an outreach worker and so I started working with the program."

The program has a regular bus route for those who want to come to the center to eat. The program also delivers 45 meals to Roff on Thursday.

The City of Sulphur also provides a bus and a driver that brings seniors to the program site. JAMM also offers seniors a bus to the center for $.50 each way.

On a typical Monday, we deliver 250 meals, with an average of 150-190 daily meals, " Wallace said.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Adopt-A-Senior Program, can do so by coming to the center at 728 Cambridge St., behind the hospital and making their $30 donation.

"The money that is donated in Murray County stays in Murray County, " Williams said. "I would also like to ask our seniors to contact their senators or congressmen to discuss funding for the program. "

Williams also wanted to remind everyone that June 11 is Senior Day in Murray County. There will be a health fair and information available for seniors. The health fair will be at the Nutritional Program Center behind the hospital.

"The Community Bank of the Arbuckles will serve hamburgers and other businesses like First National Bank of Davis will provide refreshments and other goodies throughout the day, " Williams noted "It is held at the center to allow seniors to become comfortable with the center and see the services that are offered. "