SEATTLE -- The average price of a gallon of gas in Washington jumped another penny overnight, now to $3.60.
For charities, many of whom are already pinching pennies, those rising prices present unplanned challenges.
Seattle's Senior Services Meals on Wheels program that delivers free meals to senior citizens in the Puget Sound region has been hit hard.
They budgeted for gas to remain about $3.05 per gallon, but Tuesday in Seattle the average price rose to $3.65.
"It's an issue," said Denise Klein.
About $22,600 was budgeted to fill the eight Meals on Wheels vans, and reimburse more than a dozen volunteers who offer their vehicle to deliver food to seniors. But with prices the way they are now, Meals on Wheels would need around $27,000 to pay for gas. And gas prices are still climbing.
"First the state budget is a mess, then the feds are cutting certain programs, now gas prices go up," Klein said. "If the increase in demand stays up, then we may have to reduce meals."
There is no talk of cutting those already receiving meals, but Klein said if prices get close to $5.00 per gallon, a waiting list may be created for any new seniors interested in the program.
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