Representatives from Upper Shore Aging Inc. and the Department of Social Services presented yearly reports at the commissioners’ meeting. The reports are required for both agencies to receive continued funding from the state.

According to Gary Gunther, executive director of Upper Shore Aging, 29-percent of the county’s population is over the age of 60, which is the required age to be classified as an “older American” by both the state and federal government. Because of the county’s large senior population Kent may receive extra funding next year for senior care programs. The commissioners cautioned Gunther that until it was in writing, not to count on any extra money from the state or federal government.

Upper Shore Aging is the designated area agency on aging for Kent, Talbot, and Caroline counties. It develops and manages programs focused on allowing elders to remain and live well in their homes as long as possible. It also provides activities and services through the Amy Lynn Ferris Activity Center and the Department of Social Services.

Linda Webb, director of the Department of Social Services, came to the meeting to discuss food. Specifically, she discussed food donated to the Community Food Pantry through the federal government’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food and funding for the pantry. In 2010 more than $55,000 worth of food was donated to the food pantry, the majority of which came from the USDA. There were more than 2,000 visits to the pantry in 2010, averaging out to about 200 families a month. Most of the families that are served by the food pantry are referred by the Department of Social Services.

According to Webb, the amount of food and funding the pantry receives each year is based on the poverty and unemployment level in the county. For this upcoming year the food pantry is expected to receive the same funding amount as last year, $1,500, which is used to cover storage and distribution costs. Commissioner William Pickrum asked if Social Services receives word from the USDA when “bonus packages” are available? He was told that the agency receives an email from the state letting them know when extra food and funds are available.

The commissioners approved the reports from Upper Shore Aging Inc. and the Department of Social Services, allowing both agencies to move forward with the funding process.