REPRESENTATIVES MORELLE, FITZPATRICK AND SENATOR KING LEAD EFFORT TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS CARING FOR SENIORS AND VULNERABLE AMERICANS

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Representative Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and Senator Angus King (I-ME) announced the introduction of the Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements (DELIVER) Act. This legislation supports volunteers in programs like Meals on Wheels that deliver food to older, more vulnerable Americans.

“Thousands of volunteers dedicate their time and energy to ensuring seniors in our community have access to nutritious meals, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This bipartisan legislation would reduce the financial burden on our gracious volunteers and help them reach more people in their time of need. I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense legislation, and I will continue working across the aisle to see that it signed into law.”

“Our bipartisan DELIVER Act will support the remarkable volunteers nationwide who selflessly deliver meals to our seniors and vulnerable citizens,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “By modernizing the outdated tax code and increasing mileage deductions, we’re not only easing the financial burden on these dedicated individuals but ensuring that more people in my community and across the nation have access to the nutritious meals and vital resources they deserve. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan initiative with Rep. Morelle, which reflects our shared commitment to uplifting our communities and fighting hunger together.”

“Home-delivered meals can a be a lifeline for Maine seniors, allowing them to live independently and comfortably in their homes and communities,” said Senator Angus King (I-ME). “Meal delivery services not only provide a fresh, healthy meal, but they also provide connection and peace of mind for loved ones. These services are vital for so many Maine people. The bipartisan DELIVER Act would make a small adjustment to our tax code to help ensure delivery programs remain strong and decrease the financial burden felt by those who generously volunteer their time.”

“Volunteers are at the heart of Meals on Wheels. Their dedication ensures older adults have access to the nutrition, safety checks and social connection they need, oftentimes as the only person a senior living alone sees all week,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “At a time when programs are struggling with rising costs, volunteer shortages and growing waitlists, this legislation is more critical than ever. We must do all we can to remove financial burdens on our volunteers so they can continue their life-saving work.” 

Currently, the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals is 14 cents per mile—a rate that has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.

This legislation seeks to raise that deduction to the standard business rate, which is currently 67 cents per mile, bringing equity to the millions of Americans who volunteer their time and resources to deliver meals to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.

There are over 4.8 million people in New York State over the age of 60, and roughly one-quarter of them—about 1.23 million—live alone. Additionally, over about 655,000 New York seniors have uncertain access to food, and 630,000 New York seniors are living in or near poverty. Across the state, Meals on Wheels programs serve over 18 million meals to almost 167,000 seniors through home-delivery and congregate nutrition services. Not only do they deliver healthy meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide important social interaction for seniors living alone, improving their quality of life. This legislation would ease the burden on their many volunteers and allow them to serve more seniors in New York and across the country.

This legislation is also sponsored in the Senate by Senator Cornyn (R-TX).

To learn more about the DELIVER Act, read the full text of the bill here.

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