Kuster Visits Windham Seniors to Discuss Meals on Wheels Cut

New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-02) says she is concerned about the seniors in the state, especially those stuck in their homes, not being able to get a decent meal.

"We've got people who have worked hard (their) whole life. Everybody has. you've paid taxes. you've worked hard, and we shouldn't be living in a country where our seniors are going without food."

Kuster spoke at the Windham Senior Center Tuesday during a brief appearance.

But Kuster said that meal deliveries are dropping due to sequestration cuts to the Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program. 

According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the program has lost $81,113 in funding for Fiscal Year 2014. That amounts to 7,770 fewer meals delivered and 6,540 fewer meals served at Meals on Wheels locations.

"We can find ways in other parts of the federal budget, we can cut out the waste and the duplication and the programs that aren't effective," Kuster said. "But what we shouldn't do is pick six of you and say we aren't going to feed you.

"That's not the society we are. That's not the New Hampshire way. We're going to take care of people.

Kuster was joined at the center by Debra Perau, executive director of the Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels Program.

She also spent time speaking with Windham resident Barbara Coish, who coordinates the Windham Meals on Wheels program.