[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MEALS ON WHEELS OF THE SALINAS VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the half-
century of service Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has provided 
to California's 20th congressional district. This organization has 
worked for the last 50 years to enhance the health and well-being and 
provide a sense of community for homebound seniors, disabled adults, 
and veterans in the Salinas Valley.
  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.
  Since its founding in 1972, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has 
provided healthy meals to over 16,000 seniors across our beautiful 
valley, providing an essential resource for the well-being of our 
community's most vulnerable members. To date, Meals on Wheels of the 
Salinas Valley has delivered over five million nutritious meals to 
households throughout the Salinas Valley and serves up to 180 clients 
weekly. Additionally, 114 pets have received AniMeals through Meals on 
Wheels' partnership with the SPCA of Monterey County.
  Powered by the commitment and expertise of its staff members and the 
dedication and magnanimity of its approximately 97 active volunteers, 
Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley demonstrate its inestimable value 
for homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans during the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic. Each volunteer is connected by their unwavering 
passion for supporting the independence and well-being of their 
community members. This past year, volunteers have driven 26,048 miles 
throughout the Salinas Valley, from Pajaro and Aromas in North Monterey 
County to San Ardo and Bradley in the South, and have donated 5,814 
hours of their time.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the Meals on Wheels 
of the Salinas Valley for its 50 years of vital service to our 
community members in need.

                          ____________________