|Press release from Maine Legislature Senate Majority Office|
AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, the Maine Senate unanimously passed a bill from Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn. The bill, LD 485, “An Act To Continue Funding for Home-delivered Meals for Homebound Seniors and To Address Growing Demand,” would provide funding to support Maine’s Meals on Wheels programs.
“Throughout the pandemic, the Meals on Wheels programs across our state have been a critical lifeline to homebound seniors,” said Sen. Claxton. “These programs are more than just a food delivery, too. They are opportunities for a wellness check, some much needed conversation or just a quick hello, all things that have been lacking from many seniors’ lives during the past year. I thank my colleagues for their support, so we can ensure these programs continue to thrive going forward.”
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 faces further votes before the Senate and House.
April 28, 2021
Contact: Lisa Haberzettl, 207-251-3548
