Arlington, VA – May 18, 2023 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued the following statement in response to negotiations between the White House and Congress to raise the debt limit and address the federal budget:
Meals on Wheels America, the leading national organization supporting the network of more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs, is closely monitoring the ongoing national debate between the President and Congressional leadership to raise the debt limit and address federal spending. As advocates for older adults who are at significant risk of hunger, isolation and losing their ability to live independently, we urge all leaders involved to protect our nation's most vulnerable citizens in any negotiated agreement.
Legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives – H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act – is estimated to result in more than one million seniors no longer receiving Meals on Wheels. Enacting cuts of any amount would have devastating and costly consequences for older adults who rely on programs like Meals on Wheels and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a vital lifeline. It is essential that a resolution to raise the debt limit be reached and that critical programs providing nutritional and social support to millions of aging Americans be safeguarded.
At a time when 8 out of 10 low-income, food-insecure seniors are already not receiving the meals they likely need, Congress and the Administration must steer clear of policies that would increase hunger or threaten the health and quality of life of those in the greatest social and economic need.
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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