Budget cuts have forced Akron-based Mobile Meals to reach out to the public, asking them for help through an active fundraising campaign.

President and CEO Lorie Travaglino said this is the first time the agency is asking for the public's help in 41 years. "We are going into people's homes, every single day, checking on them, making sure that they are okay, and connecting with them in their homes," Travaglino said. "That cost and the delivery cost is really what's killing us."

Mobile Meals Asking For Public's Support by Amani Abraham

Day-to-day operations for the agency are very costly, according to Travaglino. The agency does more than just deliver food. She said they also check on the welfare of customers including looking for signs of physical abuse. 

"Mobile Meals is provided for anyone that thinks that they need a meal and then we work with them to best get that meal on their table," Travaglino said.

Travaglino is unsure how long the public fundraiser will last, but said the agency will determine the next steps after reviewing the public's support.

"We're developing strategies now to keep this momentum going. We would like to see the results by the end of June."

 Mobile Meals Asking