House Appropriations Subcommittee Receives Nearly 100 Bipartisan Signatures, Underscoring Congressional Support for More Funding
Arlington, VA – March 27, 2023 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued the following statement in response to a Dear Colleague letter urging leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act Title III programs, like Meals on Wheels, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024:
Meals on Wheels America commends the 91 U.S. Representatives who sent a bipartisan letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee leadership urging that programs authorized under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) be funded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 at levels that reflect the significant, ongoing and urgent need for services as the OAA network continues to face increased demand and rising costs. Specifically, for the OAA Nutrition Program – covering both congregate and home-delivered meals – the letter calls for $1.284 billion in the next fiscal year.
The letter championed by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), along with the almost 100 more who signed on, recognizes the effectiveness of the OAA in meeting the nutritional and social needs of millions of individuals age 60+ who are most at risk of hunger and isolation, and how programs like Meals on Wheels help them to remain healthier and independent in their homes.
As the problems of senior hunger and isolation are growing, and with 1 in 4 Americans being 60+ and 12,000 more turning 60 every day, the significance of the OAA as a solution cannot be overstated. More than 80% of Meals on Wheels participants report that the services they receive improve their health, help them feel more secure and allow them to live independently. However, nearly all local programs are facing challenges to providing nutritious meals to older adults in need, such as rising food costs, fluctuating gas prices, labor and volunteer shortages and continuing supply chain issues.
We look forward to working with Congress during the FY 2024 appropriations process to build upon the existing bipartisan support for OAA programs and secure desperately needed increases in funding. We must act now to ensure senior nutrition programs have the solid foundation required to support the health and well-being of millions of older adults now and into the future.
Read the Dear Colleague letter 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