Seniors First in Stockton feeds about one-thousand people a day at 18 dining centers throughout San Joaquin County. But two-thirds of their clients get hot meals delivered to their homes.
Christopher Lawrence heads the program. He says they’re trying to deal with higher prices at the pumps.
"Bottom line – it’s hurting us. It’s hurting us and all kinds of non-profits here in Stockton and we’re all scrambling around trying to figure out just what to do."
He says they’re shifting resources and looking at more fundraising to cover a 30% increase in costs.
Meantime in Yolo County, officials with the Elderly Nutrition Program – which delivers lunch to nearly 200 seniors – say they’re also trying to cope with rising gas prices.
"At the current rate, we would have to come up with an extra $4,500 to $5,000 just to cover the cost of increased gas prices."
Rochelle Gerking with the program says they may have to put a hold on new clients. And she says since gas prices don’t look like they’re going down any time soon, they’ll start doing more fundraising.