[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA SENIOR SERVICES MEAL PROGRAM

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish recognize the fine 
work of the Western South Dakota Senior Services Meals Program in South 
Dakota.
  This year, the Meals Program celebrates 25 years of service to 
elderly and disabled individuals in western South Dakota. The Meals 
Program currently serves between 735 and 750 meals per day, or 185,000 
meals annually, to residents at 28 stations in 16 communities. These 
communities include Rapid City, several cities in the Black Hills, and 
many rural communities in western South Dakota.
  Despite declining budgets, the goal of the Meals Program has remained 
constant: to provide healthy and nutritious meals to hundreds of Black 
Hills and western South Dakota residents. Many of these individuals are 
homebound, and the noon meal they receive is often the only warm, 
healthy, and nutritious meal they receive during the day. The visit by 
the Meals Program volunteer is welcomed by the elderly or disabled 
individual who is unable to leave their home or apartment. It is an 
opportunity for a brief chat with a friend and to receive a nutritious, 
home-cooked meal.
  Meals are also served at various apartment complexes or senior 
citizens centers where several tenants can come together, eat a good 
meal, and share stories with friends and neighbors. When someone is 
unable to attend the noon meal, the meal is delivered to the apartment 
and it is an opportunity to check on the health and welfare of the 
individual.
  It is my hope that more individuals can receive the benefits of the 
Meals Program in my State and across the Nation. More funds are needed 
so that current programs can be maintained and expanded so that 
deserving individuals can get the nutritious meals they need. I 
appreciate the various local sponsors and entities that allow the Meals 
Program to function in western South Dakota.
  I commend and applaud the great work of all the staff and volunteers 
of the Meals Program and congratulate Western South Dakota Senior 
Services, Inc., for their efforts. Thousands of western South Dakota 
residents have benefited greatly over the past 25 years from the Meals 
Program, and it is my hope these services can continue for many years 
to come.

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