ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2026 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued the following statement in response to a Dear Colleague letter championed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education to increase funding for the Older Americans Act in FY27:
Meals on Wheels America commends the 40 senators who sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education leadership urging that programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA) receive $4.7 billion in federal funding in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). This letter, led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), encourages Senate leadership to acknowledge the significant need among vulnerable seniors, which current funding levels fail to meet, and act accordingly to bolster senior health and nutrition services. For more than six decades, the OAA has served as the only national framework that comprehensively addresses the social services needs of older adults in the community, enabling them to age with health and dignity. We thank our Senate champions for signing this letter and calling for increased investment in the life-saving programs funded through this critical legislation.
In FY26, vulnerable seniors were sidelined yet again, with OAA Nutrition Program funding remaining flat at $1.059 billion — falling far short of what’s required to meet the real need among our aging neighbors. With an estimated 2.5 million low-income, food insecure older adults not receiving senior nutrition services, current funding levels would have to more than double to reach all in need. As the senior population grows and costs continue to rise, flat funding represents a cut due to reduced spending power, and these ongoing funding shortfalls only exacerbate the spiraling problem of unmet need.
The requested funding proposed in this letter would bolster programs funded under the OAA, allowing senior-focused programs like Meals on Wheels to effectively meet the ever-increasing demand seen in communities across the country. Most Meals on Wheels providers rely on federal funding, and for more than 60% of providers, that funding represents half or more of their total budget. Without the necessary federal funding, providers are forced to bridge the ever-growing gap in other ways, such as reducing services, adding seniors to a waitlist or turning some seniors facing hunger and isolation away altogether.
We are appreciative of the senators’ acknowledgment of the critical need for these services, especially as demand continues to skyrocket. Meals on Wheels America is committed to working with Congress throughout the remainder of the FY27 appropriations process and beyond to secure the funding necessary to strengthen all programs under the OAA and ensure that all older Americans are able to lead nourished, healthy, connected and independent lives.
With FY27 appropriations negotiations underway, it is imperative that the administration and Congress prioritize the significant unmet needs of America’s growing senior population and End the Wait® for Meals on Wheels services. To learn more about what Meals on Wheels America is urging Congress to do during FY27 appropriations — and to fight for the seniors in your community — head to https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/email–congress.
Read the Dear Colleague letter here .
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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. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, 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 find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Press Contact: press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org
