Observation: Meals on Wheels

I've been reading a lot of comments from people about the federal government defunding Meals on Wheels and it's, apparently, more than the surface stuff we've been seeing, including the federal government's involvement. Based on the comments, it's mostly private funding that sustains them: corporates, foundations, and individuals (yes, they ask the recipients to donate also). Federal grants are only 3% of their income. 

I read that their 2015 financial statement shows the program brought in just over $7.5 million in funding that year, mainly from corporate and foundation grants making up $5.15 million. The Washington Post reported: "Donations surged to 50 times their daily rate Thursday after the White House proposed eliminating the Community Development Block Grant program." New York Times stated: "Meals on Wheels has been delivering food to older people in the United States since the 1950s. Last year it served 2.4 million people."

As a thinker, it made me wonder: Does it really take approximately 5 to 7 million dollars to take care of 2 to 3 million people annually? I supposed it's possible, even with using volunteers and paying high corporate income. This also made me wonder: Why are we so fast to judge something, or become offended, due to sensational headlines or fake memes? What happened to further investigation? 

Anyway, the plethora of comments have been varied. I've also read that they've had a lot of problems from within, as well as outside scams. Figures. Whenever something good is done, there's always the bad that shows up, including their scandals. People were saying that the food had been unpalatable, occasionally, and thrown away. One person said that her grandmother took the food but went out and bought groceries. (I thought they were supposed to be homebound/disable/no longer driving, etc.?) Her refrigerator was full of uneaten meals. I know looks can be deceiving, but I read that many, based on volunteers, look like they were able to fend for themselves. I, personally, know some people who are over 60, have some form of disability, but still can prepare meals, including me. Are there some who are taking advantage of the system? Aren't they always being vetted? 

Furthermore, some comments have been pointing out a sad state of affairs that goes even deeper; a lot of things we've been seeing lately. This really caught my attention. What's being discussed is that some choose to pass their individual responsibilities off on the government. A concern that it may create apathy. Some are saying that they're seeing a lack of personal responsibility with family, because they want others to be responsible. Yes, they've mentioned all the exceptions, but I, honestly, believe that these comments, about the decline of family values and morals, is a more serious issue to be debating. Isn't it time to look within (instead of blaming the government), and think about those fingers pointing back at us? 

In fact, isn't this the time for Meals on Wheels to look within, too? If losing 3% of their contributions causes their organization to fold, maybe it's too tenuous. Yet, I have a feeling they will adjust in order to survive. After all, don't we learn to do the same when we find ourselves with 3% less income?