US HHS Releases Funds for Senior Nutrition Programs
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Obama administration announced Wednesday the Department of Health and Human Services will provide $65 million for congregate nutrition programs to be provided at senior centers and other community sites.
Additionally, there will be $32 million for home delivered nutrition services delivered to the elderly at home and $3 million for Native American nutrition programs. Georgia is set to receive about $2.4 million of the total. Nationally, the White House estimates this funding will provide 14 million meals.
“Across the country, older Americans depend on senior centers and home delivery programs for regular, healthy meals,” Vice President Joe Biden said. “Today, more senior citizens are in need, but the programs they depend on are on the brink of reducing their services or closing down. The Recovery Act will help ensure older Americans are not forced to choose between paying bills and buying food.”
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The funding will be awarded to 56 states and territories and 246 tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. States will award the funds to organizations that provide nutrition services in their communities. Funding for nutrition programs for seniors in the Older Americans Act was initially authored and championed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
The Recovery Act funding comes as budget constraints have forced states and tribes to limit community-based services and critical Older Americans Act related services, including home-delivered meals. Across the country, organizations that serve senior citizens have scaled back services and limited the number of meals served per week.
The economic downturn has also made it difficult for many seniors to afford the right foods to keep themselves healthy and active. Additionally, many seniors may be too impaired to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Without regular nutritious meals, the health of many older Americans declines; they become more susceptible to illness; their ability to manage their chronic diseases is reduced, and they may lose their ability to remain at home, independent in their community.
For a state-by-state breakdown and more information about the senior nutrition programs, visit www.hhs.gov.