July 14: Older Americans Act 60th Anniversary and Day of Action

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has linked older adults to community-based resources that let them age with dignity —services that keep our aging neighbors healthy, nourished and cared for — like Meals on Wheels.

On July 14, the OAA turns 60. We need you to join us in flooding every inbox on Capitol Hill with one urgent message: Protect and strengthen this lifeline for older Americans now.

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Our Statement

Why the OAA Matters Right Now

Meals on Wheels America is standing with ADvancing States, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Council on Aging (NCOA) and USAging to defend the Older Americans Act— the nation’s one-stop funding stream for aging well. Beyond home-delivered meals, the OAA pays for rides to the doctor, in-home help, senior-center fitness classes, caregiver respite, legal aid and protections against abuse, all delivered through local agencies that tailor services to the community’s greatest needs. Learn more about the full scope of this funding.

View Our Statement

Meals on Wheels is a Proven Investment That Saves Both Lives and Dollars

When Congress invests in the Older Americans Act, it fuels the Meals on Wheels network that keeps more than 2.2 million older adults safe and thriving at home every year. That single decision does more than put a meal on a plate — it prevents costly hospital stays, delays or avoids nursing home placements and gives families priceless peace of mind.

  • Life-saving reach: For many seniors, a daily visit is their only human contact and can sometimes be the moment a small issue is caught before it becomes an emergency.
  • Financially responsible: A full year of meals and check-ins costs about the same as a single day in the hospital or a week in a care facility.
  • Need outpaces funds: One-third of programs already have waitlists as America’s older population surges and costs rise.

The Value of Meals on Wheels is Indisputable

Despite decades of bipartisan support, federal investment in these essential OAA programs has neither kept pace with the skyrocketing demand from America’s aging population, nor with the rising costs of food, fuel and labor.

9 out of 10 local Meals on Wheels providers rely on federal funding, including OAA dollars

2.2M seniors are served each year, with the OAA covering nearly 40% of program costs

Only 1% of U.S. philanthropy addresses aging issues, underscoring why federal support matters

Featured Story

Keeping Thomas Independent at Home

For many Alaskans, a single slip on ice can spell trouble, but for an aging Army veteran like Thomas, winter’s deep freeze can turn a front porch into an uncrossable frontier. Yet the nutritious meals, friendly visits and home modifications provided by his local Meals on Wheels have guarded his independence, his health and his safety.

Meals on Wheels can feed a senior for an entire year for about the cost of one day in a hospital or a single week in long-term care. That efficiency exists because OAA funding invests in community solutions first. And we need your help to protect it.

Read Thomas' Story

Here's How You Can Help

As we reach the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act on July 14, let's do more than celebrate a legacy — let’s commit to securing its future by funding what works. 

Donate to Help Support
Donate to Help Support

Power our national support for 5,000+ local Meals on Wheels providers that keep seniors connected, nourished and independent.

Donate Today

Use Our Call Script to Call Congress
Use Our Call Script to Call Congress

Use our quick script to connect with your Senators and Representatives and tell them to fully fund the Older Americans Act this July 14.

View Call Script

Learn More About Funding
Learn More About Funding

Read the Funding Explained factsheet and see how OAA dollars reach your community.

Download Fact Sheet

Email Congress This July 14


Help us flood Capitol Hill with one urgent message: “Fully fund the Older Americans Act.”

On its 60-year anniversary, the OAA and the meals, safety checks and dignity it helps deliver, needs champions like you. Use the quick form below to send a pre-written email to your Senators and Representative in under a minute.