Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on House of Representatives’ Passage of H.R. 1

ARLINGTON, Va., May 22, 2025 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued this statement in response to the House of Representatives’ passage of the budget reconciliation bill, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”:

We are disappointed by the House of Representatives’ decision to pass a budget reconciliation bill that will cause real harm to America’s seniors. This legislation threatens critical funding for Meals on Wheels providers and includes the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), two crucial federal programs that help many older adults and other vulnerable populations meet their basic needs.

We urge the Senate to modify this legislation to remove onerous provisions that would adversely affect a significant number of our nation’s seniors. If passed as is, it will worsen an already dire situation for millions of older Americans, with nearly 13 million older Americans threatened by or experiencing hunger and 1 in 2 seniors living alone who lack the income to pay for basic needs. Nearly 1.4 million low-income older adults with Medicare – more than 10% of the dual eligible population – would lose essential cost-sharing assistance that helps them afford care. Many will be forced to choose between paying for health care, food or rent – an impossible choice no one should have to make. Likewise, reductions in SNAP benefits and access will negatively impact low-income seniors and others who need this program to put nutritious food on the table. Additionally, the bill adds work requirements for both Medicaid and SNAP that will apply to individuals through the age of 64, threatening the loss of health coverage and support for vulnerable older adults.

The funding cuts and policy changes in this legislation will consequentially increase the demand for Meals on Wheels services at a time when community-based organizations are already stretched too thin. Currently, 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist, with an average wait time nearing four months and some extending to two years. Without additional resources, many may be forced to cut services, add seniors to growing waitlists or turn people away entirely.

Rather than undermining support for programs that help meet the basic needs for our nation’s growing senior population, we need to invest in proven, cost-effective solutions, like Meals on Wheels, that save taxpayer dollars and help older adults remain independent and healthy in their homes – where they want to be. For about the cost of one day in a hospital or ten days in a long-term care facility, Meals on Wheels can support a senior for an entire year with nutritious meals and essential social connection.

While we are relieved that the bill did not include other concerning provisions that have been discussed, like the elimination of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program that many senior nutrition programs rely on to provide meals, we are concerned about the risk to this program as this bill continues to move forward and if sequestration limits are imposed. Meals on Wheels America remains committed to working with Congress and the administration to strengthen federal support for senior nutrition programs. That’s why we are fiercely advocating for at least $1.6047 billion in fiscal year 2026 funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-C Nutrition Program, along with the protection of Medicaid, SNAP and SSBG funding.

As the bill moves to the Senate, Meals on Wheels America urges lawmakers to prioritize the health and dignity of America’s rapidly growing older adult population. Our seniors are counting on the Senate to prioritize their needs and to reject the harmful provisions in H.R.1.

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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.

Press Contact:
press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org