[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST NUTRITION 
                 PROGRAM UNDER THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, on Saturday, March 22, our Nation 
will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the 
national nutrition programs for the elderly under the Older Americans 
Act. Since their inception, these programs have benefited thousands of 
our Nation's elderly by providing home-delivered and collective meals 
to those elderly facing serious challenges and limitations, including 
economic hardship, physical and health limitations, and rural 
isolation.
  The elderly's ability to obtain meals under the Older Americans Act 
was originally limited to meal sites, where groups of elderly can 
congregate for a meal during the day. Following several successful 
years of service, nutrition programs expanded to serve the home-bound 
elderly. Also, the parameters of the Older Americans Act were extended 
to allow Area Agencies on Aging to inform the elderly on how to obtain 
nutrition education, counseling, and screening. Nutritional services 
have proven to be critical for a significant population of the elderly 
who can continue to maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle.
  Through this program, Vermont's five Area Agencies on Aging contract 
with various local nutrition service providers to expedite the delivery 
of meals to people's homes and continue to coordinate meals provided in 
congregate settings. Federal grants provided for our country's 
nutrition programs fill resource gaps where non-profit and State 
organizations cannot.
  Twenty-five years following the first meal served in the early 
1970's, 242 million meals have been provided to 3.5 million of our 
Nation's elderly. Since taking office in the House of Representatives 
in 1975, I am proud to have been a steadfast supporter of these 
nutrition programs. They are a wonderful example of the Federal 
Government's successful contribution to improving the lives of our 
Nation's senior citizens.

                          ____________________