ARLINGTON, Va., July 16, 2026 – Meals on Wheels America Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer Josh Protas today issued the following statement regarding the Senate passage of S.2120, the Older Americans Act reauthorization bill of 2026.
We are pleased by the Senate’s passage of S.2120, a bill to reauthorize programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA) through 2030. This bipartisan action helps to ensure that effective programs and supports are available to help seniors age with dignity and independence and signals that their needs are finally being prioritized. The OAA authorizes critical programs administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), providing access to in-home care, transportation, healthy aging activities in senior centers, home-delivered and congregate meal programs like Meals on Wheels, job training, caregiver supports and additional supportive services.
In a letter sent yesterday to the House Education and Workforce Committee leadership, co-signed by Meals on Wheels America and our aging network partners ADvancing States, NANASP, NCOA and USAging, we are strongly urging the House of Representatives to keep up this momentum by expeditiously enacting the reauthorization of the OAA.
The crises of senior hunger and isolation have been growing more acute due to increasing need and higher costs. It is imperative that Congress respond by reauthorizing the OAA and increasing funding for the OAA Nutrition Program in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process to ensure that the program can reach more vulnerable older adults in need. The OAA has received strong bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress for more than 60 years, and we implore the House of Representatives to pass this crucial reauthorization without delay. America’s seniors cannot wait any longer to be prioritized.
Tell Congress to increase funding for Meals on Wheels and End the Wait® today. Visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/SeniorsAreWaiting to learn more.
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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 mealsonwheelsamerica.org. You can also find Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok and X.
Press Contact: press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org
