[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EL PASO COUNTY SENIOR MEAL 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2024

  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary 
of the El Paso County Senior Meal Program.
  Since February 1974, El Paso has been assisting seniors across our 
community to receive at least one warm meal a day through the Older 
Americans Act. The program first started at the Sacred Heart Church 
Center and St. Alban's Church Center and there are now over 16 centers 
across El Paso. The El Paso County Senior Meal Program ensures that no 
senior goes hungry.
  Today, in partnership with various regional government entities such 
as the City of El Paso, City of Socorro, City of San Elizario, Town of 
Clint, as well as grant funders including the Rio Grande Area Agency on 
Aging and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, El Paso 
County remains committed to delivering essential services, including 
providing nutritious meals, facilitating socialization, conducting 
wellness activities, and performing safety checks. These services are 
consistently offered across 16 congregate sites, where a dedicated team 
of both staff and volunteers works collaboratively to serve 
approximately 12,057 congregate meals each month. Additionally, an 
impressive 39,000 home-delivered meals are distributed monthly as part 
of this initiative.
  Today, it is my privilege to recognize the significant contributions 
of the El Paso County Community Services Department personnel, as well 
as their partners and the multitude of volunteers involved in 
delivering these essential and crucial services to our community, for 
the last 50 years. I wish them continued success and impact for many 
years to come.

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