Skip to main content

March 18: Kaptur Welcomes Federal Help For Low-Income Senior Nutrition

March 18, 2009


“This funding throws a food lifeline for thousands of older Americans,” said Congresswoman Kaptur, who as a member of the House Appropriations subcommittee on agriculture wrote legislation to create the Senior Farmers Market Coupon program. “Such assistance is exceedingly important in a state that has suffered a direct hit from the recession.”

Vice President Joe Biden today announced the $100 million program, which will provide 14 million meals to low-income older Americans throughout the country. Ohio will receive $2.5 million in congregate nutrition services at senior centers and other community sites as well as $1.23 million for home-delivered nutrition services for frail elders. Congresswoman Kaptur said the funding will make it possible for many senior citizens in the Ninth

Congressional District to continue receiving enough food to survive. Without proper nutrition, she said, their health is jeopardized and their ability to remain at home and lead independent lives is compromised.

Kaptur said she is looking forward in coming weeks to a formal announcement of the ninth year of the Senior Farmers Market Coupon program. The program makes coupons available to seniors to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and provides local farmers with an additional niche market for their products.