ARLINGTON, Va., July 1, 2025 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued the following statement today in response to the Senate’s passage of budget reconciliation bill H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
We opposed passage of this bill and are deeply concerned that the Senate moved forward with a budget reconciliation bill containing several harmful provisions that could have a devastating impact on the health, nutrition and independence of millions of older Americans. These provisions include severe cuts to Medicaid and harmful changes and restrictions to SNAP, which would increase senior hunger and hardship, placing even greater pressure on already overstretched Meals on Wheels providers.
This comes at a time when the need among older Americans is already growing rapidly and when federal funding for senior nutrition programs has remained insufficient for far too long. Today, 1 in 8 older adults is at risk of hunger, and over half experience loneliness. Meals on Wheels is a proven, cost-effective solution; however, nearly 1 in 3 providers report having a waitlist for services because programs are operating without sufficient and sustainable federal funding. This leaves an estimated 2.5 million low-income, food insecure older adults without the nutritious meals and vital safety checks they need to remain healthy and independent at home.
If enacted, this bill would further strain community-based providers, forcing them to stretch limited resources even further. That would mean reduced services, longer waitlists and more seniors left to face challenging circumstances on their own. Rather than cutting support, this bill should invest in senior services and proven programs that support the health and well-being of older Americans. Slashing funding for and restricting access to Medicaid and SNAP will cause real harm to vulnerable seniors and increase demand for local Meals on Wheels providers, ultimately costing more in avoidable healthcare expenses.
As the bill moves back to the House of Representatives, Meals on Wheels America once again urges lawmakers to take a stand. Now is the time to reject these harmful provisions and prioritize the needs of America’s rapidly growing senior population.
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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.
