South Iowa News

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving food access for low-income seniors in rural areas. The legislation, known as the Delivering for Rural Seniors Act, is co-led by U.S. Representative Jasmin Crockett and seeks to expand home delivery options under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Representative Nunn emphasized the need for this initiative, stating, "Far too many seniors in rural Iowa can’t access the food they need to live." He noted that over 100,000 eligible seniors are missing out on food assistance due to their inability to travel to distribution sites.

The CSFP currently provides monthly food boxes to approximately 760,000 eligible low-income seniors aged 60 and above. However, mobility and transportation barriers have prevented many from accessing these resources.

Rep. Crockett highlighted the broader implications of the bill: "It’s my responsibility to help ensure North Texas families have access to food," she said. She pointed out that inflation is exacerbating food insecurity among low-income families, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Matt King from Hunger Task Force expressed support for the act: "The Delivering for Rural Seniors Act is a key step toward ending hunger in our community by allowing us to deliver monthly senior food boxes."

The National Commodity Supplemental Food Program Association also endorsed the effort, acknowledging its potential impact on individuals unable to reach distribution sites.

Ellie Hollander of Meals on Wheels America commended Representatives Nunn and Crockett for their efforts: "This bipartisan bill would seek to improve nutrition access for low-income seniors living in rural areas by providing additional resources."

The Delivering for Rural Seniors Act proposes a pilot grant program designed to facilitate home delivery of CSFP food boxes, thereby innovating reliable delivery systems for those in need.

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