[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E522]]
 CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM AND THE 
        ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 1ST ANNUAL MARCH FOR MEALS CAMPAIGN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the community of 
Worcester, Massachusetts in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 
senior meals program and the establishment of the 1st annual March For 
Meals Campaign.
  The senior meal program serves approximately 1800 Meals on Wheels and 
lunch site clients per day under the Older American's Act. Worcester's 
Age Center Meals on Wheels is the second largest in the state. Last 
year the agency delivered 339,131 meals. Meals are delivered five days 
a week in Worcester and surrounding towns to elders who are frail, 
unable to leave their home without assistance, and unable to prepare a 
meal on their own. The average age of Meals on Wheels recipients in 
Worcester is 82 and for some, the driver is the only contact with 
another person they have during the day. Elders themselves make up 
almost all the volunteers who package and deliver Meals on Wheels. 
Throughout its 30 year history, Meals on Wheels has adapted to meet the 
needs of elders and also the volunteers who serve them. The 
collaborations developed by the Age Center with 14 Councils on Aging 
and health care professionals continue to be the basis for future 
efforts. The Age Center continues to meet important nutritional and 
social needs of a growing population of elders.
  March For Meals is a nationwide public awareness campaign designed to 
bring attention to local senior meals programs throughout the United 
States. It will highlight the continuing importance of meal programs 
and the growing need for resources as the elderly population increases 
and more Americans need community-based nutrition services. Because 
March 2002 marks the 30th anniversary of the federal government's 
support of senior nutrition programs, in Worcester County, Friday, 
March 22, 2002 has been designated as local March For Meals Day.
  Mr. Speaker, on March 22 Worcester County will begin the annual March 
For Meals event that will continue to support and focus attention on 
the importance of senior nutrition programs. I will join in a birthday 
party celebration at the Zion Lutheran Church to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of the creation of Meals on Wheels. I know that you and my 
colleagues join me in recognizing this valuable program.

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