Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Issue Joint Statement on Newly Passed Bill Providing Funding for FY26

ARLINGTON, Va., February 3, 2026 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato today issued the following statement regarding the passing of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill for FY26:

While it is a relief that Congress was able to pass a minibus appropriations package to finalize funding for federal agencies for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and that the partial government shutdown was short-lived, it is deeply troubling that the needs of vulnerable seniors have been sidelined yet again, with funding remaining flat at $1.059 billion for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

$1.059 billion wasn’t enough last year. It wasn’t enough the year before that, when it was cut for the first time in more than a decade. And it certainly isn’t enough now. It falls far short of the funding required to meet the real need among our aging neighbors – in fact, the current funding level isn’t even in the ballpark. 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 actually represents a service cut, and ongoing funding shortfalls will only exacerbate the spiraling problem of unmet need.

We fiercely advocated for an increase to at least $1.605 billion for FY26 as a reasonable step in the right direction. This funding package was a missed opportunity to come closer to right-sizing funding for senior nutrition programs, which are not only effective, but extremely efficient, leveraging nearly $3 for every $1 of federal funding. Meals on Wheels providers can deliver nutritious meals, moments of connection and other supportive services that help seniors remain living independently at home for an entire year for roughly the same cost as one day in the hospital or 12 days in a nursing home. These programs save lives and taxpayer dollars, and they can do even more if Congress adequately invests in them.

The crises of hunger and isolation faced by millions of seniors today are not going away, and our elected officials have the power to help. As we look to FY27, we urge Congress and the administration to significantly increase funding for the OAA Nutrition Program. It’s past time to address widespread unmet need and rising costs for community-based senior nutrition providers and End the Wait™ for nutritious meals and moments of connection. And, the upcoming president’s budget request for FY27 presents an opportunity to step up and address the real challenge of affordability and show vulnerable older adults that they matter. Our seniors cannot wait any longer to be prioritized.

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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country 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. Through public awareness, funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. At a time when demand for Meals on Wheels services is growing, and many seniors are left waiting, Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to helping End the Wait™ and ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. For more information, or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. You can also find Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok and X.

Press Contact: press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org 

ABOUT NANASP
Founded in 1977, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) is proud to be a leading organization advocating for policies and programs nourishing older adults. Our 1,000 member programs represent a wide range of essential services providers who support the nutrition, health and life quality of over 4 million older adults. For more information, go to nanasp.org.

Press Contact: lborth@nanasp.org