Contact: Jessica Smith (Webb) 202-228-5185
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Kevin Hall (Warner) (202)224-2425
WEBB & WARNER ANNOUNCE $2.3 MILLION IN
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR VIRGINIANS
~ Stimulus funds will help provide meals to older adults ~
Virginia's US Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that the US Department of Health and Human Services has released $2.3 million in federal stimulus funds to Virginia food assistance agencies. The one time funds were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan as part of the Older Americans Act to assist communities and the national network of aging services that have been adversely impacted by rising food costs while demand for services continues to grow.
Approximately $1.5 million will go directly to congregate nutrition services throughout the Commonwealth, and $800,000 will be directed to home delivered nutrition services.
“Nutrition assistance is necessary for a growing number of older Americans facing higher food costs and reductions in state and local services,” said Senator Webb. “I am pleased to see that the economic recovery package is going directly to Virginians who need it the most.”
“Many older Virginians rely on a network of senior centers and home delivery programs for regular, healthy meals and other services,” Senator Warner said. “These Recovery Act funds will provide a welcome relief for locally based community organizations who have simultaneously seen a decline in donations and an increase in food costs.”
The Older American Act promotes health and independence for seniors through a variety of efforts such as disease prevention and health promotion; transportation services; nutrition and meals services; and legal assistance.
