Arlington, VA – April 26, 2023 –
Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act by a vote of 217-215:
H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act, was introduced yesterday and passed by the House of Representatives today. If enacted, this legislation would drastically cut federal funding and is estimated to result in more than one million seniors no longer receiving Meals on Wheels.
As the national leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation, we know firsthand the irreparable damage this would cause at a time when more older adults than ever are in desperate need of nutrition services. Proposed cuts of this magnitude would warrant a 22% or greater reduction in funding for federal nutrition and aging services programs, like Meals on Wheels. This is not only unacceptable, but irresponsible when 8 out of 10 low-income, food-insecure seniors are already not receiving the meals they likely need. Cuts of any kind would be devastating to our nation's most vulnerable older adults who rely on Meals on Wheels as a vital lifeline.
As federal budgets are being debated, we urge Congress to steer clear of any proposal that increases hunger or threatens the health and quality of life of those in the greatest social and economic need. Enactment of this bill is a risk we cannot afford to take.
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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