With the economic crunch, no one is spared. In this week's Coverage from Calloway we look at how the economy is taking a toll on one mid-Missouri group.

The Calloway County Senior Center prepares and delivers meals to those who need them. Senior Center administrator, Patty Hinnah, says they treat each recipient like a member of their own family.

Hinnah says the Senior Center delivers food to anyone 60 years of age or older who is homebound, has recently had surgery, or is unable to drive. The recipients receive seven frozen meals each week.

Once a week, Hinnah pays a visit to Beulah Roller, a homebound meal recipient.

Beulah is grateful for all of her meals, but she isn't shy about her favorite. 

"Chicken is my favorite. I like chicken anyway you fix it; fried, baked, greasy, you name it," said Roller

The Senior Center receives money from United Way to cover the meal costs.

"Right now on homebound, we (deliver to) about 86 people," said Hinnah.

The center asks for a contribution of $2.50 per meal, but no one is denied if they can't pay. Hinnah says a grant from the county covers the price of milk for about half the year.

Before meals are delivered, there is an assessment process.

"I go in to do an assessment to see if the need is there. Almost everybody qualifies," said Hinnah.

The Senior Center encourages those who are able to drive and shop for themselves to come to the facility to socialize.

"We have our regulars every morning," said Hinnah. "The pool room is usually full every morning. We have our coffee drinkers and doughnut eaters. You can set the clock by them. We have ladies that are here everyday quilting. It's almost like a job for them," said Hinnah.

"There's just so many things that seniors here in Callaway County can take advantage of, and we want them to do that," said Karen Elwood, care coordinator.

If they can't make it into the center, then the center comes to them.

"I think its wonderful that they can do that for old people," said Roller.

Right now, gas prices are really hurting the deliveries. Hinnah says they deliver to all of Callaway County, not just Fulton. They go from Montgomery City to Holts Summit and clear to Auxvasse. Thankfully, the center has never had to turn anyone down who needs meals.

"I hope that (day) doesn't come," said Hinnah. "With the utility bills rising, the food costs have (gone) up," said Hinnah.

The utility bills are hard for the center to meet, but they are making it. Hinnah worries that if the prices keep increasing in coming years, they may have to close their doors. 

For Beulah's sake and everyone else that relies on the weekly deliveries, hopefully that won't happen.

For now, the center is helping to fill people's bellies and more importantly, fill their hearts with each delivery.

"When she comes to visit, she's always meeting me with a smile, and I told her I sure do appreciate everything she's done for me," said Roller.

The Callaway County Senior Center is open to anyone 60 or older. If your spouse is 60 or older, you can get in as well.