News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Changes are coming to the UCHRA’s nutrition program, according to Interim Executive Director Mark Farley.
Farley said the program had been operating at a deficit of at least $250,000 upon his arrival.
“Systematically, you can’t continue on running a program at a deficit such as this,” Farley said, adding some costs were offset by both outside and internal funding.
Farley said UCHRA has elected to hire a company to assist with the nutrition program. The company will deliver frozen food to various locations in the region, which will then be cooked on-site and delivered to clients.
As a result, the change will eliminate a central kitchen in Gainesboro to cut down on food waste and transportation costs.
Farley said fixing the nutrition program isn’t the only issue UCHRA faces, as personnel and overall morale took a toll under former director Luke Collins. Collins was terminated May 9 for mismanagement and controversy involving the agency.
“There are common sense approaches to good management that needs to go ahead and start,” Farley said.
Farley said despite UCHRA’s struggles, helping people in the Upper Cumberland is still the organization’s number-one priority.
“Good things will come for this agency,” Farley said.
UCHRA currently has a search committee looking for a new executive director for the program. Farley is the Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District and will serve as UCHRA’s interim executive director until a new one is hired.
