Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Joint Statement on USDA Grant to Minary's Dream Alliance's 'Feed the Elderly' Food Program

Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-Md.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $374,900 grant for Minary's Dream Alliance’s 'Feed the Elderly' food distribution program, which provides weekly deliveries of produce and shelf-stable items to senior low-income residents of Kent County, Maryland. The funds will help the Alliance employ five part-time staff, as well as purchase food and packaging supplies, equipment, and cover travel expenses. The 'Feed the Elderly' program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food distribution services. Minary's Dream Alliance serves approximately 50 percent of the Kent County senior population living in poverty. Kent County has pledged funding to support this program through the next three years.

Joint Statement from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Harris:

“For two years, Minary’s Dream Alliance has dedicated their time to transforming the lives of rural senior citizens. These funds will help ensure they have access to the food and staff they need to care for both the low-income and homebound seniors that they serve. We are proud to support this vital funding to help Minary’s Dream Alliance continue their important mission, and we will continue working to provide Maryland seniors with the services they need.”