NEW FAIRFIELD – On January 24th, 2024, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) visited the New Fairfield Senior Center to tour the Meals on Wheels distribution site, meet with volunteers and hear from seniors participating in the program. According to Meals on Wheels America, 13% of seniors in Connecticut are food insecure and approximately 10 million older Americans are at risk of hunger nationally. Meals on Wheels provides healthy meals for the elderly, disabled, and those who are otherwise unable to access meals themselves. In Connecticut, 26% of seniors are disabled and potentially at risk of food insecurity.
Each day, millions of Americans struggle to put food on the table. 1 in 2 seniors living alone do not have the income to cover basic needs, making them especially vulnerable to increases in cost of living and inflation. Various vital nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels, are funded through the Farm Bill, Older Americans Act (OAA) and appropriations. Currently, one in three Meals on Wheels programs have a waitlist which can leave older adults waiting on average three months for access to consistent nutritious meals.
Distribution sites like the New Fairfield Senior Center are a key component in the fight to end hunger across the nation – serving meals to Connecticut seniors up to three times a week.
Congresswoman Hayes voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus bill which allocated over $1 billion to senior nutrition programs. As then chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, Congresswoman Hayes secured $2.5 million to fund the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health – which recommended increased funding for senior nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels.
“Food insecurity is on the rise. 5.5 million seniors struggle to put food on the table daily. These figures are more than just numbers, they represent real people. They are our neighbors, friends, and family,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Touring the New Fairfield Senior Center only affirmed how crucial these programs are to seniors living in the Fifth District. On the federal level, I am committed to working to ensure Meals on Wheels and all nutrition programs are fully funded and equipped to serve those in need.”
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