Meals on Wheels America is deeply disappointed that Congress has failed yet again to prioritize the needs of our nation’s older adults by passing a long-term continuing resolution (CR) instead of comprehensive spending bills that could have made critical investments to address the growing crises of senior hunger and isolation.
This CR extends government funding through September 30, 2025. A government shutdown is never the desired outcome, but the flat funding levels set in this CR represent, in effect, a funding cut that could lead to a reduction in services, given rising costs and increased need among a rapidly growing senior population. This represents a missed opportunity to prioritize seniors and will further strain the nationwide network of Meals on Wheels providers.
Even though Meals on Wheels serves more than 2 million seniors, we know that an additional 2.5 million likely need meals but are not receiving essential services, and 1 in 3 providers already has a waitlist. America’s seniors cannot wait any longer for lifesaving nutritious meals and moments of connection.
We remain committed to working with Congress and the administration to advocate for much-needed funding increases and stability for senior nutrition providers that have been operating under uncertain conditions for far too long. Meals on Wheels America urgently calls on Congress to increase funding for senior nutrition programs.
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 www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.