ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12, 2026 – Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, today issued the following statement highlighting a letter she wrote to the Honorable Russell Vought urging him to leverage available Section 32 funds:
As described in a letter sent to the Honorable Russell Vought today, Meals on Wheels America is imploring the Office of Management and Budget to show support for our nation’s seniors and ensure their needs are prioritized. Our request is simple: We urge the administration to release Section 32 funds (7 U.S.C. § 612c) to provide emergency funding for supplemental purchases through the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP). This funding will help Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition providers, such as Meals on Wheels, serve nutritious meals to more older adults in need.
The situation is dire for America’s seniors nationwide. Chronic funding shortfalls for the OAA Nutrition Program have led to widespread unmet need and the escalating crises of senior hunger and malnutrition. One in three Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist, with many more saying that they may soon need to start one. Without access to Meals on Wheels services, too many older Americans face increased risk of worsening health, avoidable hospitalizations and premature nursing home placements, outcomes that result in significantly higher costs to taxpayers and the government.
We ask that, rather than rescinding anticipated balances for FY27, those balances be utilized to support American farmers, local senior nutrition providers and seniors who are struggling nationwide. This would direct USDA funding that has been already appropriated, rather than create a new budget authority. We request Director Vought’s help to direct the release of funds created by Congress for such extraordinary times by leveraging existing authorities available to the administration.
We commend the recent announcement by the administration of its intent to utilize Sec. 32 funds to purchase American-grown and American-raised commodities for use by USDA nutrition assistance programs, including school nutrition programs, and we now urge the release of additional funds for programs that serve seniors.
Nearly 14 million seniors already worry about where their next meal will come from. Our seniors are suffering. That’s why Meals on Wheels America urges Director Vought and USDA leadership to release Section 32 funds as soon as possible to address the escalating crises of senior hunger and malnutrition and help us get one step closer to achieving our goal to End the Wait® for nutritious meals and moments of connection for thousands of seniors in need. Visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ways-to-advocate/ 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
