R 086

2021 -- H 6056 Enacted 03/02/2021

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2021 AS THE 19TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR MEALS MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Ruggiero, Cassar, Serpa, Caldwell, Casimiro, Alzate,

Date Introduced: March 02, 2021

WHEREAS, On March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that

amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for

seniors 60 years and older; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels America established the March for Meals campaign in

March 2002 to recognize the historic month, the importance of the Older Americans Act

Nutrition Programs, both congregate and home-delivered, and raise awareness about the

escalating problem of senior hunger in America; and

WHEREAS, The 2021 observance of March for Meals celebrates 19 years of providing

an opportunity to support Meals on Wheels programs that deliver vital and critical services by

donating, volunteering and raising awareness about senior hunger and isolation; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels nutrition programs have served Rhode Island communities

admirably for 52 years with 2,748 home bound seniors served and 336,000 meals and safety

checks made every year; and

WHEREAS, Volunteers for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island are the backbone of the

program and they not only deliver nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities

who are at significant risk of hunger and isolation, but also caring concern and attention to their

welfare; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island programs provide nutritious meals to

seniors throughout the state that help them maintain their health and independence, thereby

preventing unnecessary falls, hospitalizations and/or premature institutionalization; and

WHEREAS, Statewide 58 percent of those receiving Meals on Wheels reside in

Providence, 17.5 percent in Kent County, 11 percent in Washington County, and 5 percent in

Bristol County; an d

WHEREAS, More than ever, over this past year's COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on

Wheels of Rhode Island programs have provided a powerful opportunity for social connection for

millions of seniors to help combat the negative health effects and economic consequences of

loneliness and isolation. More than 50 percent of those receiving services are over the age of 80

and the majority live alone. Veterans and veteran spouses comprise more than 20 percent; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island programs deserve recognition for the

heroic contributions and essential services they have provided amid the COVID-19 pandemic and

will continue to provide to local communities, our State and our Nation long after it is over; now,

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims March of 2021, as the 19th Annual March for Meals Month and urges every citizen to

take this month to honor our Meals on Wheels programs, the seniors they serve, and the

volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national 2021 March

for Meals can enrich our entire community and help combat senior hunger and isolation in

America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Meghan Grady, Executive Director of Meals on

Wheels of RI.

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LC001438

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