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In Response to Proposed House GOP Cut to Meals on Wheels, Spanberger Launches New Survey to Collect Virginians’ Experience with Program

Apr 24, 2023
Press
Social Security, Medicare, & Retirement

The Congresswoman Wants to Hear from Virginians Who Either Themselves Have Been Served by Meals on Wheels or Have a Loved One Who Relies on the Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to reports that Virginia’s Meals on Wheels programs are threatened by the U.S. House Republican Conference’s debt limit plan, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today launched a survey to hear from Virginians who have benefited from seniors meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels — or the caretakers, children, grandchildren, or loved ones of seniors who rely on these programs.

According to recent reports, the administration has identified that one-million “largely home-bound seniors would lose access to food through the Meals on Wheels program” under the U.S. House Republican Conference’s debt limit plan. Specifically, proposed funding cuts tied to fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget levels would jeopardize the ability of the Meals on Wheels program to meet the growing, nationwide demand for nutrition services that support homebound, rural, or isolated seniors. Last week, Spanberger reacted to reports that the proposal would threaten Virginia’s Meals on Wheels programs — which keep seniors healthy, fed, and independent in their homes.

Spanberger is looking to use the stories of Virginians to advocate against a funding cut that slashes support for Meals on Wheels.

“Meals on Wheels volunteers serve nearly two million home-delivered meals to Virginia seniors each year. But that statistic does not just represent reliable meals — it represents moments shared and invaluable reminders that their community cares,” said Spanberger. “Shortsighted, ill-advised cuts to Meals on Wheels threaten a program with a track record of success throughout Virginia. As we work to avoid a default, we can’t let our most vulnerable neighbors become pawns in these political games. Virginians who have seen the benefits of Meals on Wheels in their own lives or the life of a loved one are the best advocates for this service, and I hope that many of our neighbors share their stories.”

Virginians can click here to complete Spanberger’s brief survey.

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