COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the effects of the recent government shutdown ripple through central Ohio, nonprofit leaders say the impact continues to strain community support systems, particularly for the elderly.

LifeCare Alliance, a nonprofit that provides daily meals for seniors, says it has seen a sharp increase in demand. The organization now delivers about 6,000 meals each day across central Ohio — a 70% rise in need since 2020.

“We’re seeing more people who are worried,” said Chuck Gehring, president and CEO of LifeCare Alliance. “People are worried because most of our people are living paycheck to paycheck or Social Security check to Social Security check.”

The organization estimates it will be $2 million short by the end of the year, after running out of federal funding in June. Many of

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