[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Senate] [Page 23002] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA SENIOR SERVICES MEAL PROGRAM Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish recognize the fine work of the Western South Dakota Senior Services Meals Program in South Dakota. This year, the Meals Program celebrates 25 years of service to elderly and disabled individuals in western South Dakota. The Meals Program currently serves between 735 and 750 meals per day, or 185,000 meals annually, to residents at 28 stations in 16 communities. These communities include Rapid City, several cities in the Black Hills, and many rural communities in western South Dakota. Despite declining budgets, the goal of the Meals Program has remained constant: to provide healthy and nutritious meals to hundreds of Black Hills and western South Dakota residents. Many of these individuals are homebound, and the noon meal they receive is often the only warm, healthy, and nutritious meal they receive during the day. The visit by the Meals Program volunteer is welcomed by the elderly or disabled individual who is unable to leave their home or apartment. It is an opportunity for a brief chat with a friend and to receive a nutritious, home-cooked meal. Meals are also served at various apartment complexes or senior citizens centers where several tenants can come together, eat a good meal, and share stories with friends and neighbors. When someone is unable to attend the noon meal, the meal is delivered to the apartment and it is an opportunity to check on the health and welfare of the individual. It is my hope that more individuals can receive the benefits of the Meals Program in my State and across the Nation. More funds are needed so that current programs can be maintained and expanded so that deserving individuals can get the nutritious meals they need. I appreciate the various local sponsors and entities that allow the Meals Program to function in western South Dakota. I commend and applaud the great work of all the staff and volunteers of the Meals Program and congratulate Western South Dakota Senior Services, Inc., for their efforts. Thousands of western South Dakota residents have benefited greatly over the past 25 years from the Meals Program, and it is my hope these services can continue for many years to come. ____________________