WACO, Texas — As the government shutdown stretches on, Meals on Wheels Waco is feeling the strain.

The nonprofit, which serves hot meals and performs safety checks for seniors 60 and older who are homebound or disabled, says the halt in federal assistance programs like SNAP has created a surge in need — one they’re struggling to meet.

“Our budget last year was funded about 50% by the federal government,” said Estrellita Doolin, chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels Waco. “That funding has been going down over the past few years even though the need in the community has been rising. So to have to endure the government shutdown on top of that has just added to our challenges.”

The organization delivers about 400 meals a day across McLennan, Hill, and Falls counties — both to senior

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