ARLINGTON, Va., January 7, 2026 – Meals on Wheels America issued the following statement today in response to the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
The newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans don’t just offer specific dietary recommendations across the different stages of life — they have implications for federal nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels. As always, we’re committed to ensuring seniors who receive Meals on Wheels get the nutrition they need and so much more. However, the guidance specific to older adults in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans is limited, which is yet another missed opportunity to prioritize the needs of America’s growing older adult population.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes critical federal senior nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels, and directs these programs on how to meet the unique needs of older adults. These programs must adhere to national dietary guidance and prepare meals that are appealing to older adults, including them in menu planning whenever possible. In fact, all OAA funded meals require approval by a local or state-based registered dietitian nutritionist, many of whom have expertise in older adult nutrition. These efforts ensure that the holistic, person-centered meals providers offer meet the unique nutrition, health, cultural and regional needs of the older adults they serve.
“Meals on Wheels providers are uniquely poised to help seniors around the country meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said Dr. Uche Akobundu, senior director of nutrition strategy for Meals on Wheels America. “The support they can provide is especially important in light of recent data from the CDC that show malnutrition deaths have increased in the United States, particularly among those 85 and older. However, far too many seniors fall through the cracks and aren’t able to access the help they need.”
A significant number of low-income, food-insecure seniors who need the nutritious meals that Meals on Wheels provides are not being reached simply because of a lack of adequate funding and resources. In addition to federal Dietary Guidelines with more specific guidance for older adults, we need solutions that will help the nearly 13 million seniors who worry about having enough food to eat meet them. Programs like Meals on Wheels offer a proven, cost-effective way to help solve this, but increased federal support is needed to make meeting Dietary Guidelines a reality for seniors across the country who struggle with challenges of affordability and access when it comes to food and other basic necessities.
Going forward, there is much work to be done by the administration to support health and nutrition professionals in translating the new Dietary Guidelines into real world practices. We look forward to sharing anticipated technical assistance materials and working with local Meals on Wheels providers to apply the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in support of the seniors they serve. We will also continue to call on the administration to take action to address the growing crises of senior hunger and isolation with increased funding and resources.
With fiscal year 2026 appropriations negotiations continuing, 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 the nutrition Meals on Wheels delivers, please visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/our-work/nutrition. And to learn more about what Meals on Wheels America is urging Congress to do during fiscal year 2026 appropriations – and to add your voice – head to https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/email-congress.
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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
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