New Hampshire officials said they are worried that proposed federal budget cuts to programs for the elderly might hinder their efforts to provide low-cost meals and other programs. 

The state receives about $5.5 million each year through the Older Americans Act, which was created in 1965 to improve the lives of people over 60. The money pays Meals on Wheels; injury prevention programs; caregiver support; and the office of the long-term care ombudsman, which advocates on behalf of nursing home residents. 

The Bush administration wants to cut spending on such programs by about $109 million, or 6 percent, nationwide. 

"Older American Act programs are just so minimally funded that any decrease is going to have an impact on the ability of older people to remain in the community," said Mary Maggioncalda, a manager at the state's Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. 

Health officials said cuts to meal services would be particularly troubling for seniors in New Hampshire. Last year, more than 1 million meals were delivered to needy seniors in their homes. About 400,000 more lunches, plus the occasional breakfast, were served at senior centers throughout the state. 

Meals on Wheels programs are already dealing with high fuel and food costs. So, a reduction in the $2.8 million the federal government sends them each year could force them to cut back on the number of seniors they serve, officials said. 
"For a lot of seniors, all that is standing between them and a nursing home placement is a hot meal," Maggioncalda said.