Arlington, VA – July 20, 2023 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued the following statement in response to the introduction of H.Res.594, recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program:
In honor of the anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA), Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) led a bipartisan resolution recognizing the value of the OAA Nutrition Program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our nation’s seniors each year. With the August work period ahead and end of the fiscal year approaching, this comes at a key moment in the appropriations process. Enacted July 14, 1965, the OAA laid the foundation for the nationwide network of community-based senior nutrition programs – such as Meals on Wheels – which has been providing vital social and nutrition services to help older adults maintain healthy, independent lives in their communities for more than five decades.
Twenty-one additional Representatives cosponsored this resolution, showcasing their support for the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and staff who contribute to the success of this public-private partnership. Additionally, the resolution encourages Members of Congress to deliver meals to homebound seniors or at a congregate site in their communities and work to secure sustained federal funding that will allow local providers to keep pace with the increased programs costs and demand. Meals on Wheels America commends all Members of Congress who joined together as cosponsors and appreciates their leadership on behalf of millions of older adults and caregivers served through OAA.
With the September 30 deadline to fund federal programs around the corner, we are eager to work with Congress and the Administration to continue to build on the strong bipartisan support that exists for the OAA Nutrition Program by providing a minimum of $1.3 billion in the Labor-Health and Human Services and Education bill to address increasing demand and higher operating costs. This is an evidence-based, cost-effective solution to ensure our nation’s most vulnerable seniors are not hungry, isolated or forgotten.
For more information, read the resolution here.
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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Through funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Press Contact:
Jenny Young
Meals on Wheels America
571-339-1603
press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org