[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E670-E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANN ARBOR MEALS ON WHEELS 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ann Arbor 
Meals on Wheels on the occasion of 50 years of service to the

[[Page E671]]

community. The care and service that they provide to homebound members 
of the greater Ann Arbor community is worthy of commendation.
  Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels began in 1974 as a program to provide 
homebound neighbors with fresh, nutritious meals. Since then, the 
program has expanded its services to include pet food delivery, home 
energy efficiency kits, personal care items, and wellness checks during 
drop-offs. Additionally, the program offers recipients a variety of 
meals that are inclusive of dietary restrictions, nutritional risks, 
and cultural traditions. Their delivery of over 120,000 of these meals 
to over 430 clients every year shows a distinct level of dedication and 
commitment to the community.
  Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels is a community effort. It is led by the 
University of Michigan Health Department of Community Health Services 
and is made possible by the additional support of more than 250 
volunteers. Staff at the Patient Food and Nutrition Services at 
Michigan Medicine work six days a week to prepare meals while 
volunteers assist in delivering meals, completing wellness checks, and 
providing community members with compassion and support. Many times, 
they are the difference in isolation as they build connections and care 
for those they serve. Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels also works with Lucky 
Kitchen, Washtenaw County, the Huron Valley Humane Society, DTE Energy, 
and other local institutions. This network of partnerships and 
dedicated volunteers demonstrates the integration of the program in the 
community, as well as the extent of the impact of the program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
50th anniversary of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. For the last half-
century, the program has been diligently serving homebound members of 
the community when they need it most. We thank Ann Arbor Meals on 
Wheels and its team members for their service, and we are excited to 
see how the program will continue to serve the community.

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