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For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels has set the gold standard as an evidence-based public-private partnership that effectively addresses the issues of senior hunger and isolation, supporting senior health while providing a proven significant return on investment in the form of health care savings.
But with growing demand and rising costs, many seniors are left waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection. And while they wait, they’re more likely to end up in the hospital or a long-term care facility.
Hunger and isolation put seniors at risk for costly health issues like high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression.
Federal funding shortfalls for Meals on Wheels end up costing the government and taxpayers more due to costly health care and long-term care expenses that could have been prevented.
Meals on Wheels is proven to reduce health care utilization, prevent nursing home admissions and generate substantial health care cost savings.
This fact sheet sheds light on how local Meals on Wheels supports senior health and saves money, as well as the need for increased federal funding to meet the growing need and rising costs.
Download Fact Sheet