Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced that Connecticut will receive $1.16 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help older Americans maintain their health and independence. The legislation includes $100 million for meals and nutrition services under the Older Americans Act (OAA), which means Connecticut will receive $775,759 for congregate nutrition services and $381,912 for home-delivered nutrition services.

“While many families and individuals of all ages are hurting from the recession, older Americans face additional physical and fiscal challenges. Compounding the situation for seniors is higher unemployment and reduced assistance from the state and nonprofits. With this federal funding from the Recovery package we will help communities and aging services networks struggling because of rising food costs, increased demand from the recession and a growing number of older Americans,” said DeLauro. “This funding, in addition to restoring jobs that may have been eliminated or reduced, means meals for seniors in need of food and a restoration of nutrition services that have been cut.”