| 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, Fenton-Fung, Tanzi, Newberry, and Blazejewski |
| 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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