Washington, DC – The Senate last night passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act by voice vote. The bill, which was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee earlier this year, includes a provision authored by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet to encourage the use of locally grown foods by nutrition services providers. Bennet is a cosponsor of the bill.
“With a growing senior population, this bill is critical to ensuring they our seniors have access to health and nutrition services,” Bennet said. “It’s especially important for Colorado’s seniors that depend on organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Congregate Meal Program. By encouraging these types of nutrition services providers to use locally grown foods, we can help put fresh, nutritious foods in the hands of those who needed it while also supporting Colorado’s farmers and ranchers and the local economy.”
The Older Americans Act has been due for reauthorization since 2011. It supports social and nutrition services-from home-delivered meals to senior centers-for nearly 12 million U.S. seniors. This week marks the 50thanniversary of the signing of the Older Americans Act into law.
# # #