Amador County - In these tough economic times, organizations that cater to Amador County’s large senior population are feeling the pinch. The Meals on Wheels program, which for the last eight years has served hot meals to seniors with limited or little mobility, has been forced to make some cutbacks. Frozen meals have replaced hot meals on Ione and Pioneer routes. “Frozen meals are not as beneficial because they get harder to prepare as you get older, and there quality is not as good,” said Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Director of Common Ground Senior Services. The non-profit organization has the Meals on Wheels contract for Amador and Calaveras Counties. In addition, “well-being” checks have been cutback to one day a week from there previous five. Thompson said “well-being is an important factor that benefits seniors in these hard economic times.” The reason behind cutting back these routes is a transportation issue. The price of gas is rising, there has been much difficulty in finding drivers and there is no funding available towards buying an additional truck. The trucks used to deliver meals in Jackson, Sutter Creek and Pine Grove are called “hot shot” trucks and have compartments for both hot and cold meals. They run about $40,000 a piece. Despite the cutbacks, Thompson says Amador County’s program is in better shape than neighboring Calaveras County. “Amador County is more of a giving County, as far as people supporting their neighbors,” she said. She said there are reserves in place to help weather the recession, but those funds are dwindling. Story by Alex Lane