Today, history was made for MOWAA and for all MOWAA Member programs across the country. This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 259 which honors and recognizes "the work of the Meals On Wheels Association of America, its Member senior nutrition programs throughout the country, and their annual March For Meals campaigns."
Introduced as a bi-partisan resolution by Congressman. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), H. Res. 259 resolves, among other things, that "the House of Representatives-
"(1) recognizes the important work the Meals On Wheels Association of America and its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country do in preventing senior hunger and improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of our nation's seniors each year,
"(2) recognizes the important role the Meals On Wheels Association of America and its member programs throughout the country's March For Meals campaigns play in increasing awareness of the need for senior nutrition programs and in raising non- Federal funds and soliciting volunteers to support and assist these programs in accomplishing their important mission,
"(3) honors the Meals On Wheels Association of America and its member programs for their continuing hard work and dedication on behalf of our nation's seniors, . . .".
On the House floor today, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) spoke first in favor of the resolution's passage by stating that "hunger continues to be a profound problem in our country" and that "Meals On Wheels in on the forefront of combating hunger,...". She stated that there is a "dire need for services such as those provided by Meals On Wheels." Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) then rose in support of the resolution and spoke in favor of its passage, citing the March For Meals program and the pressing need for MOW services in light of the rising senior population. The Speaker Pro Tem then called the question on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, which was passed by voice vote without objection.
On this historic day, the Congress of the United States spoke unanimously to honor the efforts you make every day to save lives and to help people in need. By passage of H. Res 259, the March For Meals initiative is also recognized as making a difference by bringing awareness to the problem of hunger in America and to raising funds to support efforts to meet the needs of hungry seniors. We at MOWAA are very proud of the passage of H. Res. 259 and the great honor and recognition bestowed on you today by your elected representatives. This is truly a well-deserved recognition of the tremendous work you do every day. Congratulations.
Meals On Wheels Association of America