|Press release from Maine Legislature Senate Majority Office|
AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, a bill from Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, received unanimous, bipartisan support from members of the Health and Human Services Committee. LD 485, “An Act To Continue Funding for Home-delivered Meals for Homebound Seniors and To Address Growing Demand,” would provide funding to bolster the Meals on Wheels programs across Maine.
“Meals on Wheels gets food to seniors in need, but it’s so much more than that too,” said Sen. Claxton, who serves as senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. “Especially during the pandemic, many seniors are isolated and do not often get the opportunity to see or speak with anyone else. A food delivery provides an opportunity for a wellness check, some much needed conversation or just a quick hello. I’m glad that my colleagues on the committee agree that this program is critical and deserves our full support.”
Maine’s Meals on Wheels programs are administered by Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging and rely heavily on the work of community volunteers. The programs provide hot and frozen meals to seniors who are unable to prepare their own food and gives an opportunity for wellness checks and conversation.
LD 485 would provide $3 million in funding over two years to the Office of Aging and Disability Services, which would then distribute funds to area agencies to run the program.
The bill now faces votes before the Senate and House.
FMI contact: Lisa Haberzettl, 207-251-3548
