Statements From The New York State Association Of Counties And The Association On Aging In New York In Response To Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Effort To Boost Federal Funding For Nutrition Programs

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario stated: 

Counties applaud Senator Gillibrand for her efforts to provide increased funding for the home delivered and congregate meal programs. These nutrition programs, begun under the 1965 Older Americans Act, have been critical to the health and safety of older New Yorkers, allowing them to age in place with autonomy, dignity, and respect. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated significant gaps in food security for older New Yorkers, and rising costs and increasing demand make this proposed funding critical to allowing continued and expanded access for the growing number of older New Yorkers.

 
Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve stated:

The 59 Area Agencies on Aging in New York support and implement the largest nutrition program in the nation and they are a lifeline for older residents and their families. The network experienced significant demand for services during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. New York is fourth in the nation for individuals over the age of 60, and this number is growing each year.

This additional funding will ensure older residents and their families have access to nutrition, and a daily health and safety check during home delivery. We are so thankful for the support of Senator Gillibrand and New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen for their dedication to older residents and their families.