[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 126 (Thursday, July 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING MEALS ON WHEELS OF THE MONTEREY PENINSULA

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the half-
century of service Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula has 
provided to the community of Monterey County. This organization has 
worked for the last fifty years to enhance the health and well-being 
and provide a sense of community for homebound seniors, disabled 
adults, and veterans on the central coast of California.
  Ms. Sally Judd Griffin, Ms. Vivica Lohr, and Ms. Christine Winge have 
admirably led Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula and contributed 
to the last 50 years of the organization's development, growth, and 
progress. These community leaders have positively impacted the lives of 
countless local community members and enhanced the social fabric of 
Monterey Peninsula communities by paving the way for other agencies to 
provide services for seniors.
  More than 10 million older Americans face hunger each year, and 
nearly 970,000 of those senior citizens reside in California, all of 
whom may be at a greater risk for developing a number of debilitating 
chronic health conditions if they experience persistent malnourishment 
and isolation. Powered by the commitment and expertise of its staff 
members and the dedication and magnanimity of its approximately 525 
active volunteers, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula 
demonstrated its inestimable value for homebound seniors, disabled 
adults, and veterans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  In 2021 and in the midst of the pandemic, the Home Delivered Meals 
program provided 110,800 meals and its corps of volunteers generously 
contributed 21,800 hours for the purpose of delivering meals, providing 
a daily wellness check, and connecting with clients through shared 
moments of compassion and understanding.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the Meals on Wheels 
of the Monterey Peninsula for its fifty years of vital service to our 
community members in need.

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