ARLINGTON, Va., February 27, 2025 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued this statement in response to the House budget reconciliation bill passed on February 25, 2025.
We are deeply concerned by the passage of the House budget reconciliation bill, which includes significant topline cuts that put at risk critical funding for Meals on Wheels and other vital programs that help support older adults, such as the Social Services Block Grant program, SNAP and Medicaid. Funding cuts of any kind would exacerbate an already dire situation for millions of older Americans.
Without sufficient funding, seniors who rely on programs like Meals on Wheels will be left without the nutritious meals and meaningful moments of connection they need to support their health and well-being. While the full scope of budget cuts remains unclear, any reduction in funding would be devastating to local Meals on Wheels providers and the seniors they serve, especially considering one in three already has a waitlist.
The Meals on Wheels network serves millions of seniors, yet 2.5 million older Americans still don't have access to these essential services. Local providers around the country are ready and willing to help bridge this gap, but they need sufficient resources. As the budget process continues, Meals on Wheels America implores Congress to protect — and increase — funding for senior nutrition services. These programs are one of the most successful public-private partnerships and have a proven track record of saving taxpayer dollars by improving overall health, reducing health care costs and helping seniors to live with independence and dignity in their own homes. That’s why we urge Congress to prioritize the well-being of our aging population by opposing harmful cuts.
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 get involved in advocacy efforts, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/.