YOLO COUNTY, CA - Hal Fisher knows the time by heart. Monday through Friday, right around noon, Meals on Wheels comes to his door.
 
"It’s the best meal of my day," Fisher said. "This is the highlight."

Fisher said he can't imagine getting through the week without it. Yolo County Meals on Wheels director Nicki McCabe doesn't want to think about that, either. But lately, it's a tough thought to avoid.

"It causes us to lose sleep," she said.
 
Between rising gas prices and food costs, the program's two most important staples are impacting the bottom line hard. McCabe said the county program’s operating costs are up 20 percent from one year ago.
 
"This year, we've really noticed it," said McCabe. "It's been pervasive throughout every facet of our business. Some of our volunteers have left the program because they can't afford the cost of the mileage."
 
Volunteer Edie Cordoza said she's sticking it out, although she said that would be difficult if she didn't use a Meals on Wheels car and their gas.
 
"Us poor old souls are on a limited income, you know," said Cordoza.
 
Things have gotten so tight in Yolo County that when it came time to service one of their vehicles, they had to retire it. It was either that or stop delivering to some of their food recipients.”
 
"Unfortunately, when prices go up, we can't pass those prices on to our customers. We can only ask for a donation," McCabe said.
 
But these days, people like Fisher aren't able to contribute much. The last resort in cost-cutting would be to cut meals -- and that's something McCabe doesn't want to think about it.
 
"Unfortunately," McCabe admits, "it may come to that."