Member of Congress Joins Meals on Wheels Program for Deliveries

[Member of Congress]Joins [Meals on Wheels Program]For Deliveries

Federal Funding Helps Deliver [###] Meals Each Week to

[Community/Town]’s Elderly Residents

([CITY], [STATE], [Date] – Today,[Member of Congress]deliveredMeals on Wheels to homebound seniors in the [District] to highlight the vital importance of protecting and increasing federal funding for programs, such asthe Older Americans Act (OAA).

[Insert quote from Member of Congress about the meal delivery (e.g., what the experience was like, anecdote about program staff/volunteers/seniors) and/or statement about commitment to supporting Meals on Wheels programs]

[Meals on Wheels Program] serves [###]seniors across [city/county/District]and is a lifeline that enables healthier living, quality of life and independence.In fact, Meals on Wheels can deliverservices for an entire year for roughly the same cost as spendingjust one dayin a hospital or ten days in a nursing home.[Member of Congress]’smeal delivery is part of a broader effort led by Meals on Wheels America to safeguard critical federal funding upon which senior nutrition programs across the state and the broader senior services network rely.

[Insert quote from Program Director about importance of Member of Congress’ ride-along delivery, the growth in need for services and current funding challenges]

By delivering daily nutritious meals, opportunities for socialization and safety checks to seniors in need, Meals on Wheels programs save significant taxpayer dollars by preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency room, admissions and readmissions to hospitals and delaying or eliminating the need for nursing home care. Yet, the nationwide Meals on Wheels network is serving 16 million fewer meals today than in 2005 due to funding not keeping pace with the rising need or inflation.

To learn more about[local Meals on Wheels program] and ways you can get involved, please visit: [local Meals on Wheels program website].