Fact Sheet: The Crisis of Waitlists for Meals on Wheels

Imagine waiting months — even years — for nutritious meals and moments of connection. That’s the heartbreaking reality for too many older adults across the country. As America’s senior population grows, the need is outpacing the capacity of local Meals on Wheels providers — and the result is a national crisis of waitlists.

Providers are working tirelessly to stretch limited resources and serve more seniors, but they can’t do it alone. Without sustainable funding, the wait will only grow longer.

Waitlists Are Long – and Growing

• 1 in 3 providers has a waitlist.
• Nearly 46,000 seniors are waiting nationally.
• The average waitlist is 187 seniors, some exceed 5,000.
• The average wait is four months; some wait more than 2 years.
• Nearly 2/3 of providers with waitlists serve rural areas.
• Waitlists are largest in: TX, FL, GA, NC and SC.

What Is Causing the Waitlist Crisis?

• Funding shortfalls are the top reason for waitlists.
  • Federal funding has not kept pace with the growing senior population.
  • Private dollars are shrinking.
  • Food, fuel, labor and utility costs are rising.
• Staffing and volunteer shortages.
• Outdated or maxed-out kitchens and delivery equipment.

What It Would Take to End the Wait

• Sustainable funding to invest in infrastructure and expand capacity to meet rising demand.
• Nearly $600,000 per provider on average to eliminate waitlists in the next year. For some providers with large waitlists, it can be up to $7 million.
• $67 million across 115 providers to end their waitlists for a year.
• Top needs: meal costs, staff, vehicles, kitchen space.

With the right funding, Meals on Wheels providers can show up for older adults in every corner of the country to deliver nutritious meals and moments of connection. Every dollar moves us closer to a future where no senior has to wait for the support they deserve.

Together, we can End the Wait™.