Expansion of nutrition services through the meals on wheels program

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department of social and health services must develop a program to expand nutrition services through the meals on wheels program. (a) At least sixty-five percent of the moneys may be distributed according to formulae to existing providers of meals on wheels programs to expand the number of people served. (b) Up to twenty-five percent of the moneys may be distributed by a competitive grant process to expand the meals on wheels program into areas not presently being served. (c) Up to five percent of the moneys may be used by the department administration, monitoring of the grants, and providing technical assistance to existing and new meals on wheels providers. (2) The department must develop criteria for awarding grants under subsection (1)(b) of this section. The criteria must include, but is not limited to: (a) Expanding service in areas with the greatest need to assist low-income homebound seniors who are unable to prepare food for themselves and lack a caregiver that prepares meals; (b) Expanding services in areas where senior citizens have limited access to community support services and facilities; and(c) Geographic diversity within the state and between rural and urban areas. (3) None of the grant moneys awarded under subsection (1)(b) of this section may be used to supplant existing funds the provider receives for the meals on wheels program.