[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 5884-5887]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING AND RECOGNIZING MEALS ON WHEELS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the

[[Page 5885]]

resolution (H. Res. 259) honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals 
On Wheels Association of America, its member senior nutrition programs 
throughout the country, and their annual March For Meals campaigns.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 259

       Whereas the Meals On Wheels Association of America is the 
     oldest and largest organization in the United States 
     representing those who provide meal services to people in 
     need;
       Whereas the Meals On Wheels member local senior nutrition 
     programs help those men and women in cities, suburban areas, 
     and rural communities across America who are elderly, 
     homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk;
       Whereas the Meals On Wheels member programs provide 
     nutritious meals to individuals who suffer from long-term 
     chronic conditions as well as those who may just need short-
     term assistance;
       Whereas good nutrition is essential to good health and the 
     meals provided by senior nutrition programs contribute to the 
     overall well-being of America's seniors;
       Whereas the Meals On Wheels member programs serve this 
     country's over 60 population, which is rapidly growing and 
     projected to increase dramatically;
       Whereas the demand for the services Meals On Wheels member 
     programs will continue to increase at an astounding pace;
       Whereas in the words of the Meals On Wheels Association of 
     America, these programs are needed ``so no senior goes 
     hungry''; and
       Whereas each March, chosen because it was during this month 
     that the law was enacted that included senior meal programs 
     in the Older Americans Act of 1965, Meals On Wheels member 
     programs across the country conduct local, community-based 
     ``March For Meals'' fundraising and awareness campaigns: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the important work the Meals On Wheels 
     Association of America and its member senior nutrition 
     programs throughout the country do in preventing senior 
     hunger and improving the quality of life for hundreds of 
     thousands of our nation's seniors each year,
       (2) recognizes the important role the Meals On Wheels 
     Association of America and its member programs throughout the 
     country's March For Meals campaigns play in increasing 
     awareness of the need for senior nutrition programs and in 
     raising non-Federal funds and soliciting volunteers to 
     support and assist these programs in accomplishing their 
     important mission,
       (3) honors the Meals On Wheels Association of America and 
     its member programs for their continuing hard work and 
     dedication on behalf of our nation's seniors, and
       (4) encourages Members of Congress to support their local 
     senior nutrition programs by participating in their annual 
     March For Meals events and delivering meals to homebound 
     seniors in a community within their district or State.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. 
Foxx) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 259 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 259, authored by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo). H. Res. 259 honors and 
recognizes the work of the Meals on Wheels Association of America and 
their annual March For Meals campaigns.
  The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest 
organization that provides meals to people in need. Through their many 
programs, Meals on Wheels strives to support the social, physical, 
nutritional, and economic needs of vulnerable individuals. Meals on 
Wheels offers tools and information to programs across the Nation and 
supports these organizations in making a difference in the lives of 
those at risk. They do this through professional training, creative 
leadership, and cash grants. Meals on Wheels helps local senior meal 
programs provide food and other nutrition services nationwide.
  Hunger continues to be a profound problem in our country, Mr. 
Speaker. Nationwide nearly 38 million people live in households 
suffering from hunger, up from 33 million in the year 2000. Meals on 
Wheels is at the forefront of combating hunger by providing nutritious 
meals to people across the country, those who are elderly, those who 
are homebound, disabled, or at risk and who are at the greatest risk of 
going hungry. Even with these impressive efforts, a great need still 
exists. At this moment 40 percent of Meals on Wheels programs across 
the country report that there are waiting lists for their nutrition 
services.
  Furthermore, the needs for Meals on Wheels will continue to grow. The 
elderly population in the United States has grown exponentially over 
the last few decades and will continue to increase well into the mid 
21st century. The demographics that will experience the most growth is 
that of adults age 85 and older. At the same time, the economic 
insecurity of this elderly population will continue to rise, creating a 
dire need for services such as those provided by Meals on Wheels.
  Mr. Speaker, at the conclusion of the annual March For Meals 
campaign, I want to join my colleagues in recognizing the important 
role that Meals on Wheels programs play all year long all over the 
country.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 259, 
honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association of 
America, its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country 
and their annual March For Meals campaigns.

                              {time}  1530

  The senior nutrition programs, authorized under title III of the 
Older Americans Act, was designed to address problems of dietary 
inadequacy and social isolation among older people. During fiscal year 
2005, 238,000 meals were served to about 2.8 million people. Fifty-
eight percent were served to frail older people living at home.
  Meals on Wheels is the most recognized name brand of senior nutrition 
programs. It is the oldest and largest organization in the United 
States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. 
Meals on Wheels programs support the independence and well-being of 
seniors and reduce the isolation experienced by so many elderly. Meals 
are delivered to seniors' homes, and too frequently the person 
delivering that meal may be the only person the senior sees all day. 
The Meals on Wheels program provides human contact and a safety net, 
particularly for those seniors living alone.
  Over the last several decades, a substantial growth in the elderly 
population has increased the demand for meal services. Today, Meals on 
Wheels and other similar senior nutrition programs that seek to feed 
the elderly report that 4 out of 10 programs have waiting lists for 
nutrition services.
  With one baby boomer turning 60 every 7 seconds, the demand for 
nutrition services will continue to increase. According to a Census 
Bureau projection, the elderly population in the United States will 
more than double between now and the year 2050 to 80 million people. It 
is clear that the work of Meals on Wheels will continue well into the 
future.
  Today, we also recognize the March For Meals campaign which takes 
place each year during the month of March. This campaign works to 
commemorate the enactment of the Older Americans Act. It is also a time 
for Meals on Wheels programs to focus on fundraising, awareness and 
volunteer recruitment.
  Even though March has passed, today I stand in support of this 
resolution and the Meal on Wheels program. I would like to thank Mr. 
LoBiondo for offering this resolution, and I ask for my colleagues' 
support.
  I yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page 5886]]


  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution to honor and recognize the important role of Meals on Wheels 
and the role that it plays in combating hunger for the neediest among 
us.
   Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 259, a 
resolution honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels 
Association of America and their annual March for Meals campaign. I 
would like to thank my good friend and colleague, Representative 
LoBiondo, for asking me to join him as a lead sponsor of this important 
legislation.
   We all know the statistics related to senior nutrition programs and 
Meals on Wheels. In my home State of Rhode Island alone, there are an 
estimated 2,200 meals delivered each day to homebound and elderly 
clients and over 600,000 meals delivered each year by over 1,000 
volunteers. The cost to provide one meal each day for one month is less 
than $100, by far less expensive than the cost of a nursing home, which 
averages nearly $5,000 per month.
   I often cite these statistics because I am proud of the work of my 
local Meals on Wheels program, but these numbers fail to illustrate one 
of the more important results from the program. Because these clients 
are homebound, they are too often isolated from their communities and 
spend their days alone. Even a brief visit from a friendly Meals on 
Wheels volunteer provides much needed social interaction and a 
connection to the community.
   I have participated in March for Meals in my community, and I 
encourage other Members of Congress and elected officials to take the 
time to visit their homebound constituents who receive meals. 
Unfortunately, one in ten seniors lives in poverty in our Nation and 
the need for home-delivered meals continues to increase. It is critical 
that Members of Congress know firsthand the powerful effects of these 
delivered meals on our seniors, not only to feed their bodies, but to 
feed their souls.
   Thank you, again, to my colleague, Representative LoBiondo, for 
introducing this important resolution and to Meals on Wheels and their 
volunteers for their tremendous work in taking care of our most 
vulnerable Americans. I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 259, 
and to participate in March for Meals in their home districts.
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 259, 
honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association.
  Established in the 1950s, Meals on Wheels is the oldest private, non-
profit, volunteer-based service that delivers nutritious meals to 
homebound persons, enabling them to maintain their independence and 
continue to live in their own homes.
  The program also provides daily contact with a trained volunteer who 
provides important social interaction and a link to the community and 
gives important referral information for other appropriate community 
resources as needed.
  Today's elderly depend on this program throughout the country for 
their meals and other nutrition services. It is crucial that Congress 
continue to support this important program in order for the most 
vulnerable people to receive quality meals in the most efficient and 
effective manner.
  Last year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Meals on 
Wheels in my district and prepare meals and deliver them to seniors. It 
was such a rewarding experience, and I comment the volunteers of this 
program for making such a difference in people's lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and service of 
the Meals on Wheels Association of America. Their contributions 
throughout the United States touch the hearts of millions of people, 
and I wish them many years of continued success.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 259, honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on 
Wheels Association of America, MOWAA, its member senior nutrition 
programs throughout the country, and their annual March For Meals 
campaigns. I would also like to thank my colleague Chairman George 
Miller, of the Education and Labor Committee, for bringing this 
important legislation to the floor today.
  The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest 
organization in the United States representing those who provide meal 
services to people in need. The first home-delivered meal program in 
the United States started in 1954 in Philadelphia, PA. The Meals on 
Wheels Association of America gives cash grants to local senior meal 
programs throughout the country to assist in providing meals and other 
nutrition services. The mission of Meals on Wheels Association of 
America is ``to provide visionary leadership and professional training 
and to develop partnerships that will ensure the provision of quality 
nutrition services.''
  To cite just one example, Meals on Wheels of Greater Houston, in my 
home city, has been addressing the nutritional and emotional needs of 
seniors for 30 years. Meals on Wheels of Greater Houston currently 
serves more than 3,300 hungry, homebound seniors. In January, Texas 
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples awarded $9.5 million in State 
funding to almost 100 agencies that serve meals to homebound elderly 
and people with special needs, including $1.4 million to Meals on 
Wheels for Greater Houston. I personally know of the good work of the 
Meals on Wheels program because I chaired Houston's Interfaith 
Ministries Board which ran this program. I would also insure that the 
program survived.
  Currently, senior nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels report 
that 4 out of 10 programs have waiting lists for nutrition services. 
There are 78.2 million Baby Boomers, and one of those Baby Boomers 
turns 60 every 7 seconds. Every 8 seconds someone else is turning 50. 
The demand for nutrition services is increasing each and everyday and 
we must continue to support senior nutrition programs such as Meals on 
Wheels.
  The March For Meals campaign has been slowly growing into a permanent 
part of the Meals on Wheels consciousness. March for Meals is a 
campaign that takes place at any time during the month of March. The 
month of March was chosen because it was during this month that the law 
was enacted that included senior meal programs in the Older Americans 
Act. Some programs choose to make their campaigns last the whole month, 
while others concentrate on a single week or day. The biggest component 
of March For Meals is the Mayors For Meals Day.
  Today, Meals on Wheels programs generally operate locally, at the 
county level or smaller. Programs vary widely in their size, service 
provided, organization, and funding. Although Meals on Wheels 
Association of America is a national program, each local program is 
entirely independent. Depending on the program, meals may be delivered 
by paid drivers or by volunteers. Most clients of Meals on Wheels 
programs are elderly and programs receiving Federal funding may not 
serve people less than 60 years of age.
  Mr. Speaker, this important legislation recognizes and honors the 
commendable hard work and dedication exhibited by Meals on Wheels for 
over the past 50 years. I encourage other Members of Congress to 
continue to support their local senior nutrition programs by 
participating in their annual March For Meals events and campaigns. For 
these reasons, I strongly support H. Res. 259 and urge all members to 
do the same.
  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today in support of a 
resolution honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels 
Association of America, its member senior nutrition programs throughout 
the country, and their annual March for Meals campaigns.
  This resolution recognizes the important work Meals on Wheels does in 
preventing senior hunger and improving the quality of life for hundreds 
of thousands of our Nation's seniors. It also encourages Members of 
Congress to support their local senior nutrition programs by delivering 
meals to homebound seniors in a community within their district or 
State.
  The Meals on Wheels Association of America recently concluded its 
annual March for Meals campaign. March for Meals is a national campaign 
during the month of March to raise awareness of senior hunger and to 
encourage action on the part of local communities. The month of March 
was chosen because it was during this month the law was enacted that 
included senior meal programs in the Older Americans Act.
  An important part of March for Meals is Mayors for Meals Day, where 
mayors and elected officials from across the Nation deliver meals for 
their local Meals on Wheels programs. On March 19, 2008, a new record 
was set when 1,084 U.S. mayors and elected officials joined together to 
deliver meals to seniors.
  I have proudly participated in past Meals on Wheels Association of 
America's ``March for Meals'' events and witnessed first hand both the 
need for these important programs and the incredible dedication of 
their staff and volunteers. I encourage each of you to get involved 
with your local programs--whether you help prepare meals, deliver 
meals, or just join local seniors in enjoying their meals--your support 
can make a difference.
  I also encourage you to join me in supporting this resolution which 
will give the Meals on Wheels Association of America and its member 
programs the honor and recognition they so richly deserve.

[[Page 5887]]


  Ms. WOOLSEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 259.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________