$1.5 Million for SeniorsPlus’ Meals on Wheels Kitchen and Meeting Space Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1.5 million for SeniorsPlus in the Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill.  As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins co-authored the bill.

The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29.  It will now be passed by the House before heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“SeniorsPlus truly makes a difference throughout Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties.  Staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters are dedicated to empowering our seniors to remain in the safety and security of their own homes whenever possible,” said Senator Collins.  “By supporting the construction of a new facility that will house SeniorsPlus’ Meals on Wheels kitchen and meeting space, this investment will help older Mainers remain healthy and keep them engaged in the communities that they love.”

“SeniorsPlus is so pleased to learn the news that we have been included in the $1.5 million Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO of SeniorsPlus.  “We extend our deep appreciation to Senator Collins for her support of our endeavor in being better able to serve our clients now and into the future.”

The funding will support the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that will house a new Meals on Wheels kitchen, which will serve seniors in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties.  This new kitchen will produce nutritious and delicious meals, made with locally sourced food when available.  The design will increase the efficiency of production, from cooking, packaging, packing meals to delivering them out the door to the waiting volunteer driver.  

The remainder of the facility will house a larger Education Center offering support groups, evidenced based classes that support healthy aging, and other topical areas of interest for older adults. The classes are mainly volunteer led and assist in reducing isolation and loneliness. The building will also double as a congregate/social dining site.

###