Arlington, VA – November 19, 2021 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato today shared a joint statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act:
We thank the Leadership and Members of the House of Representatives for providing Older Americans Act (OAA) programs with a critical investment through the Build Back Better Act. The Act contains $1.2 billion in overall OAA funding, including $140 million for senior nutrition programs, like Meals on Wheels.
The passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House comes at a crucial moment for senior nutrition programs as they continue to face high demand for services and rising operating costs. The resources provided for nutrition programs would fund key assets required to continue serving our nation’s older adults, such as kitchen equipment, delivery vehicles and safe, accessible buildings and facilities. Senior nutrition programs address loneliness, hunger and malnutrition – offering the nutritious meals and personal connection many at-risk older adults urgently need now.
We urge the Senate to ensure that this funding is included in the final Build Back Better legislation and to pass this landmark support as quickly as possible.
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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.
ABOUT NANASP
Founded in 1977, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) is proud to be a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff. Our member programs represent a wide range of essential services providers who support the nutrition, health and life quality of seniors. With over 1,100 members from across the United States, we are national advocates for senior health and wellbeing who strengthen the policies and programs that nourish seniors. We accomplish this mission through a collective national voice and through local community action. For more information, go to nanasp.org.
Press Contacts:
Meals on Wheels America
Colleen Psomas
press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org
NANASP
Meredith Ponder Whitmire, 202-789-0470
mponder@nanasp.org