“During this economic crisis, too many Michigan seniors are struggling to pay for the basic necessities,” said Stabenow. “This recovery funding will not only help provide our seniors with vital meal and nutrition services but help retain and create jobs as well.”

“It is critically important that we work to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable populations,” Levin said. “In difficult economic times, this federal funding will help put food on the table for Michigan’s seniors when they need it most.”

Through the Older Americans Act (OAA), states can utilize federal and state funds to assist communities and growing numbers of elderly Americans suffering under the weight of an economic recession, increased food costs, and a shortage of adequate services. Roughly two-thirds of the funds are allocated for congregate nutrition, or programs that provide meals for groups of seniors in a communal setting, often incorporating other social or support services into their outreach. The remaining third of the funds are allocated for the direct delivery of meals to home-bound seniors, also under the aegis of state-run, or state-funded programs.

The distribution of these funds will occur under the most stringent supervision possible. Although appropriated for a two year period, the funds are intended to be distributed as soon as possible, so as to provide the most immediate relief in the face of these mounting challenges. States will be required to report, on a quarterly basis, the number of home delivered and congregate meals provided, the number of people served, the number of jobs created and/or retained, as well as the amount of ARRA funds expended.

Nearly $100 million in funding was distributed nationwide under the program. The breakdown of funding by program in Michigan can be found in the table below.

Congregate Nutrition Home-Delivered Nutrition Total
$ 2,113,224 $ 1,040,356 $ 3,153,580