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Power our national support for 5,000+ local Meals on Wheels providers that keep seniors connected, nourished and independent.
Our Statement
Why the OAA Matters Right Now
Meals on Wheels America is standing with ADvancing States, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Council on Aging (NCOA) and USAging to defend the Older Americans Act— the nation’s one-stop funding stream for aging well. Beyond home-delivered meals, the OAA pays for rides to the doctor, in-home help, senior-center fitness classes, caregiver respite, legal aid and protections against abuse, all delivered through local agencies that tailor services to the community’s greatest needs. Learn more about the full scope of this funding.
Meals on Wheels is a Proven Investment That Saves Both Lives and Dollars
When Congress invests in the Older Americans Act, it fuels the Meals on Wheels network that keeps more than 2.2 million older adults safe and thriving at home every year. That single decision does more than put a meal on a plate — it prevents costly hospital stays, delays or avoids nursing home placements and gives families priceless peace of mind.
- Life-saving reach: For many seniors, a daily visit is their only human contact and can sometimes be the moment a small issue is caught before it becomes an emergency.
- Financially responsible: A full year of meals and check-ins costs about the same as a single day in the hospital or a week in a care facility.
- Need outpaces funds: One-third of programs already have waitlists as America’s older population surges and costs rise.
The Value of Meals on Wheels is Indisputable
Despite decades of bipartisan support, federal investment in these essential OAA programs has neither kept pace with the skyrocketing demand from America’s aging population, nor with the rising costs of food, fuel and labor.
9 out of 10 local Meals on Wheels providers rely on federal funding, including OAA dollars
2.2M seniors are served each year, with the OAA covering nearly 40% of program costs
Only 1% of U.S. philanthropy addresses aging issues, underscoring why federal support matters
Featured Story
Keeping Thomas Independent at Home
For many Alaskans, a single slip on ice can spell trouble, but for an aging Army veteran like Thomas, winter’s deep freeze can turn a front porch into an uncrossable frontier. Yet the nutritious meals, friendly visits and home modifications provided by his local Meals on Wheels have guarded his independence, his health and his safety.
Meals on Wheels can feed a senior for an entire year for about the cost of one day in a hospital or a single week in long-term care. That efficiency exists because OAA funding invests in community solutions first. And we need your help to protect it.
Here's How You Can Help
As we reach the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act on July 14, let's do more than celebrate a legacy — let’s commit to securing its future by funding what works.
Use Our Call Script to Call Congress
Use our quick script to connect with your Senators and Representatives and tell them to fully fund the Older Americans Act this July 14.
Learn More About Funding
Read the Funding Explained factsheet and see how OAA dollars reach your community.
Learn More About the OAA
The OAA funds a wide range of aging services across five core areas, with state and local flexibility built into the Act to reflect the needs of that area’s older adults and caregivers. Learn more about the OAA with our OAA 60th Anniversary Fact Sheet.
