San Francisco to pledge nearly $20 million to meal programs for elderly

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The City of San Francisco is taking a big step to make sure thousands of senior citizens don't go hungry in the face of federal budget cuts.

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Mayor Ed Lee is channeling nearly $20 million in city money to food delivery programs for the elderly. The money will give a big boost to charities like Meals on Wheels, which prepare and deliver almost two million meals a year.

Many are delivered to seniors who live alone and would not be able to stay in their homes without the help.

"this is at the heart of what I think we're supposed to do as public servants," said Lee. "I'm glad to do it with an organization like Meals on Wheels, who gets to spread happiness all over our city and do it the right way."

Besides Meals on Wheels, the city will also help other groups such as Self-Help for the Elderly and Jewish Family Services.