I'm not a resident of Rhode Island but if I was, I would be mighty proud to have Jack Reed (D. RI) as my U.S. Senator:
http://www.cranstononline.com/...
Yesterday morning, Senator Jack Reed took the time to visit citizens who benefit from Meals on Wheels to kick off the “March for Meals” campaign.
The senator partnered with David Casey, vice president of Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer at CVS Caremark, and Heather Amaral, executive director for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, to deliver hot meals to two apartments in Cranston.
The campaign aims to shed light on the issue of senior hunger in Rhode Island and encourage more individuals to take action and support the cause.
“Hunger within our senior population is an issue, both nationally and here in Rhode Island. March for Meals is a great opportunity to increase awareness so people of all ages can come together and create change,” said Senator Reed, who was the first legislator to participate in the campaign. Throughout the remainder of the month, other members of the Congressional delegation are expected to follow suit.
During the morning Reed, David and Amaral met with Emilio Rao and his wife, Theresa, and Roslyn Markoff. Emilio was appreciative of Reed’s visit and the Meals on Wheels program as a whole.
“It’s very important,” said the 93-year-old lifelong resident of Cranston. “It helps with your meals; it helps with my health.”
The meals are designed with the help of a registered dietitian and will meet one-third of the dietary reference intake for seniors. - Cranston Herald, 3/21/13
It's great that Reed is highlighting this issue, especially since the cuts from sequester hurts the Meals On Wheels:
http://www.wcax.com/...
The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging says about one in every four seniors is malnourished. The organization delivers some 245,000 meals annually to about 1,000 seniors in places like Winooski. But the federal budget cuts known as the sequester are slashing $85,000 in funding for CVAA. As a result, officials say they're being forced to run in the red so they don't have to stop delivering meals.
"It's kind of that perfect storm where there's less money, more seniors and seniors in greater need. So we're constantly worried about having to make cuts in services to people that really can't stand cuts in services," said Sarah Lemnah of CVAA.
CVAA says if the budget cuts are not reversed they may have to create a Meals on Wheels waiting list like other communities have had to do. Nationwide, the White House says 4 million fewer meals will be delivered when the full cuts of the sequester kick in. - WCAX, 3/20/13
March For Meals is associated with Meals On Wheels. If you'd like to learn more or get involved, you can go here:
http://www.mowaa.org/...