KENNEDY, KERRY ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR SENIOR NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON, MA– Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry announced today that $2.1 million in federal funds will be awarded for nutrition programs to support senior citizens in Massachusetts under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds will benefit approximately one million seniors throughout the Commonwealth, with $1.4 million allocated for congregate nutrition programs at senior centers, and $700,000 will be allocated for home deliverednutrition programs such as “Meals on Wheels.”

“One of the true measures of any society is how it cares for its elderly,” said Senator Kennedy. “These federal funds come at a critical time for seniors in our Commonwealth. Communities and aging services across the state are facing a surge in the need for these services because of the economic crisis. It’s essential to give our seniors the care they need and deserve, and this support will be a lifeline.”

Senator Kerry said, “We know that when the economy’s hurting, seniors living on fixed incomes take a wallop. This is an investment in the quality of life and health of thousands of grandmothers and grandfathers across Massachusetts. It’s more than a hot, nutritious meal, for many it’s a lifeline to the outside world. Senator Kennedy and I will keep fighting for Massachusetts seniors so no one goes hungry and we keep faith with the generation that built our country.”

The federal funds will be distributed based on existing population-based formulas under the Older Americans Act, which funds programs such as “Meals on Wheels” and senior centers and other programs that benefit the elderly. To track the progress of Department of Health and Human Services activities funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.recovery.gov.

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