[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT NUTRITION PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 19, 1997

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the Older Americans Act nutrition programs on the 
occasion of their 25th anniversary.
  On March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law the 
National Nutritional Program for the Elderly. This legislation added 
one of the most important components of the Older Americans Act.
  Over the years, countless numbers of our Nation's senior citizens 
have benefited from the nutritional services provided through the Older 
Americans Act.
  For homebound seniors, the program provides nutritional assistance 
which allows them to remain independent in their homes. In addition, in 
some instances, it can actually save their lives. In my congressional 
district, for instance, one elderly constituent of mine had become ill. 
They were unable to respond to the individual delivering their meal. 
The individual delivering the meal, concerned about the well-being of 
the client, contacted local authorities, who were able to bring needed 
medical attention to the homebound senior.
  Meals served under the Older Americans Act are also served in 
congregate settings, including senior centers and senior day care 
facilities. In these instances, the individual not only receives a 
nutritious meal but has an opportunity to socialize with their peers.
  Studies have shown these nutrition programs to be beneficial to 
program participants. For example, older individuals receiving benefits 
through the Older Americans Act programs tend to have better nutrition 
than similarly situated older individuals who do not participate in 
these programs.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1995, these programs provided 123,000,000 meals to 
approximately 2,500,000 older individuals in congregate settings and 
119,000,000 meals to 989,000 homebound older persons. They have 
performed a tremendous service in allowing our Nations' senior citizens 
to live longer, healthier lives and they deserve our support.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 25th anniversary 
of the establishment of the first nutrition program for the elderly 
under the Older Americans Act.

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