OLYMPIA – Federal stimulus funds will help bring nutritious meals to thousands of seniors throughout the state. 

The Department of Social and Health Services received $1.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment funds to provide and deliver meals through various senior nutrition programs.

"During these difficult economic times, all Washingtonians, particularly our older citizens, are facing challenges in meeting their basic needs," said Kathy Leitch, assistant secretary for the DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration. "The additional resources will allow seniors to get the meals they need to preserve their health and independence."   

The DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration has distributed the ARRA funding using a population based formula through thirteen Area Agencies on Aging located statewide. Area Agencies on Aging  are working with contracted senior nutrition providers and other partners in their local communities to increase the number of meals provided to seniors in need, promote job retention and restore services reduced as result of economic downturn.

The nutrition programs provide hot or frozen meals to elderly persons who may not eat adequately because they cannot afford to or they lack knowledge, skills or functional abilities to shop or cook for themselves. 

Senior nutrition programs play a critical and cost-effective role by helping to maintain the social safety net for vulnerable older adults who prefer to live in their communities and avoiding or delaying more costly long-term institutional services. 

The senior nutrition services delivery system is composed of state, local government, non-profits, local communities and participating older adults.

For more information, visit http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/SNP/
and http://www.recovery.wa.gov/.

DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.