Press Releases...

Rep. Watson Advances Bill Creating Senior Meal Programs for Rural Areas

For Immediate Release:  March 21, 2007                                                                

Springfield, IL…State Representative Jim Watson passed legislation Wednesday out of the House that would create a program similar to “Meals on Wheels” for seniors living in rural areas.

“I sponsored this legislation because of the simple fact that up to 70% of seniors in many rural areas do not have access to these types of meal services,” said Representative Watson.  “These meal services are great programs that help seniors who physically can not get into town to buy their food, and I feel that these programs should include seniors who live in rural areas.”

According to State Representative Watson this program would be a combination of privately owned businesses to supply the meals and a public program that would be responsible for the delivery.  “There is dual benefit of a program like this:  the private cafeterias and restaurants would expand their customer base and seniors who are isolated in rural areas would be provided with a proper, nutritious meal each day,” said Watson.

“AARP commends Representative Watson for recognizing and working to address the barriers faced by older rural residents in getting nutritional meals that are both healthy and good tasting,” said Frank Daigh, AARP lobby team member.

State Representative Watson worked with members of AARP on creating this proposal and hopes that in the near future all seniors who qualify for these such programs will have adequate access.

House Bill 570 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.