Arlington, VA – December 11, 2024 Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued this statement in support of the Senate passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2024 (S. 4776).
We commend Chairman Bernie Sanders and Ranking Member Bill Cassidy, M.D., for the Senate passage of the bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) by unanimous consent. This critical legislation supports community-based nutrition
and social services, like Meals on Wheels, for adults 60 and older, their families, and caregivers.
Strengthening programs and increasing funding are critical as one in three Meals on Wheels programs has a waitlist and 2.5 million older adults lack essential services. Increased authorized spending levels for senior nutrition programs in this bill
are a crucial step forward. We look forward to working with Congress to increase senior nutrition funding as negotiations continue for Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations.
The OAA Nutrition Program has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in both chambers for over 50 years. We strongly urge the House of Representatives to pass this foundational legislation without delay. Older adults in need of these services cannot afford
to wait.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Through funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.