Several Hickenlooper priorities included in the Older Americans Act (OAA) which was reauthorized, extending services through 2029
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper celebrated the Senate passage of the Older Americas Act Reauthorization Act (OAA), which extends the social and nutrition service programs under the Older Americans Act through fiscal year 2029 and includes Hickenlooper’s Nutrition Services Improvement Plan Act. Hickenlooper’s bill would help congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, like Meals on Wheels, provide healthier meals with produce from local farms.
“The Older Americans Act helps feed millions of Americans,” said Hickenlooper. “Now, we’re one step closer to helping programs like Meals on Wheels offer healthier options from local producers.”
Specifically, the Nutrition Services Improvement Plan Act would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the feasibility of the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP), including organizations like “Meals on Wheels”, to establish partnerships with local farms to supply produce for nutritious meals. The study would also examine the potential health benefits of providing fresh produce and healthy meals to older adults who rely on these programs.
The Older Americans Act supports social and nutrition service programs for more than 11 million seniors across the country and is up for reauthorization at the end of fiscal year 2024. The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act extends the Older Americans Act from fiscal year 2025 to 2029. In fiscal year 2023, Colorado received $22.8 million in funding from OAA for Title III Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, $1.4 million under the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and $390,000 under Title VII for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities.
The final OAA package also included the Hickenlooper-cosponsored provision to expand food-based medical interventions for older Americans under the OAA.
Full text of the reauthorization is available HERE.
The package has been negotiated and agreed upon by the House and the Senate. It now heads to the House to be passed and then President Biden’s desk for final signature.
###