MOUNTAINBURG, AR — A growing chorus of concern over recent state budget cuts to senior nutrition programs has spurred community leaders into action. On Monday, Sebastian County SRCA Executive Director Deanna Rice convened with State Representative Matt Duffield (R-District 53), Mountainburg Mayor Susan Wilson, the Crawford County SRCA Executive Director, the local senior center site director, and State Representative District 52 hopeful Scout Stubbs, to confront the emerging crisis.
The roundtable-style meeting focused on the profound impact funding reductions have already had on senior center operations — from vital programs like Meals on Wheels to daily social support that helps keep older Arkansans engaged and healthy.
Deanna Rice, who has been at the forefront of this issue, emphasized the urgency of legislative involvement. “The senior centers are the heart of these communities. These aren’t just meals we’re talking about — they’re lifelines,” she stated. Rice added that she will be traveling to Little Rock next Monday to attend a committee meeting aimed at uncovering answers and advocating for sustained support.
Scout Stubbs echoed her commitment. “Issues affecting our seniors are important to me,” said Stubbs. “Monday I met with leadership from multiple senior centers in Mountainburg to learn more about the concerns that senior centers are having due to budget cuts by the state. The centers offer services like Meals on Wheels, and I know their programs are keeping our seniors healthy, active, and out of our healthcare systems. Nobody wants to get older, but we all will. It is important to support our seniors.”
State Representative Matt Duffield acknowledged the systemic hurdles facing rural communities: “Progress starts with conversation. It is unfortunate that many rural communities apparently do not have the resources to properly care for our most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to finding out more details to address the problem.”
As Arkansas faces tough decisions in budget allocation, the unified voice of these local advocates sends a clear message: protecting senior services is not just a fiscal issue — it’s a moral one. With continued efforts at the state level, community leaders hope to reverse the damage and ensure that senior Arkansans are never left behind.
See related story: City, County Officials Join Executive Director for Roundtable Discussion on Senior Center Funding Challenges | Resident News Network
See related story: Senior Centers Struggle Amid State and Federal Funding Cuts | Resident News Network
