Brewer Honored with 2012 Kit Clark Award

Hailed for support of senior nutrition services

(Boston) – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) was recently named as this year’s recipient of the 2012 Kit Clark Award from the Mass Meals on Wheels Association.  Brewer was commended for his dedication and support of senior nutrition services across the Commonwealth.

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” said Brewer.  “Recent fiscal years have presented us with unprecedented budgeting challenges.  We have had to exercise fiscal conservancy and cautious spending; that being said, we cannot forget our residents in need.  No one should have to go hungry.”

Under Brewer’s leadership as the Senate Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, the Commonwealth’s spending plan for Fiscal Year 2013 maintained funding for elder nutritional services.  Brewer was a staunch advocate for preventing a $1.5 million cut proposed by the Governor, which would have eliminated 240,000 meals for needy seniors.  Additionally, Brewer championed the inclusion of $50,000 for the Senior FarmShare program, which allows low income seniors in Western Massachusetts to purchase farm fresh, local, produce.

“Good quality, fresh food is the key to keeping people healthy and happy,” Brewer continued.  “By funding these programs, we are ensuring seniors receive the nutrition services they need to prevent hunger and keep our seniors in their homes and living independently.”

The award is named in memory of Catherine “Kit” Clark, a community activist in Boston who dedicated her life to serving others.  Clark was actively involved in senior issues and in 1974 the doors opened at the Kit Clark Senior House, where she was the first Director.  Since 1986 the Kit Clark Award has been presented to leaders who have demonstrated dedication and support to senior nutrition services.  The award has had many prestigious recipients, including Senator Edward Kennedy who was honored in 2006.

Brewer pictured here with Chairman Brian Dempsey, House Chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

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Posted: Thu, Oct 25, 2012
Updated Thu, Oct 25, 2012