DeKalb County Nutrition Site relying on community support

DEKALB COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- During last year's government shutdown, 40% of the DeKalb County Nutrition Site's federal funding was slashed. They once thought this meant closing the service that does so much for the older generation; now they're hoping to turn it around in the weeks to come.

At 530 East Highway 6 in Maysville is a small building run by volunteers that provides Meals on Wheels to the area three times a week, along with food served at the building on certain days.

According to volunteer administrator Dennis Conover, the cut in federal funding that assisted the nutrition site to continue operating was devastating. Not only does this help older or disabled individuals who may not have much interaction get food, but it also helps ensure they're doing well in other parts of their lives.

This county service serves not just the Maysville area; it also reaches communities in Weatherby, Stewartsville, Union Star, and more.

Conover shared that many times, when volunteer drivers are out delivering food, they find individuals who need emergency medical care, call 9-1-1, and provide emotional support.

"A lot of the people that we serve are individuals that are older, probably don't have much family around," Conover said about the importance of their work. "But our drivers that deliver the meals are possibly the only people they see, you know, in a week.

He shared that a recent fundraiser has helped boost the optimism of him and others who run the site. Not long ago, Conover worried the site and service might not continue past October.

However, they now plan to continue offering in-house meals and delivery meals until at least the end of 2026.

"When the government shut down, our budget got cut by 40%, which was about a $34,000 cut for us. And so when you take that big a cut, you have to start working on money," Conover said about the site's survival. "Our community has been real supportive of us. We put out that we need help, and they've stepped up and kind of really exceeded our expectations."

For those who want to make a monetary donation to the DeKalb County Nutrition Site or drop off food donations, they can deliver donations to 530 East Highway 6 in Maysville. Site hours are 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday, or you can contact them at 816-449-5435.