Links & Downloads
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 48,000 seniors are waiting nationally.
- The average waitlist is 157 seniors, some exceed 3,600.
- The average wait is more than four months; some wait more than 2 years.
- Nearly 2/3 of providers with waitlists serve rural areas.
- Waitlists are largest in: TX, NC, TN, FL, SC and CA.
- 1 in 3 providers has a waitlist for another service, most frequently for congregate meals, transportation and home modification
It’s the worst feeling to have to tell someone, ‘We have a waitlist.’ You can’t speak those words without feeling emotion because you’re telling someone who’s starving.Meals on Wheels provider
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- Outdated or maxed-out kitchens and delivery equipment.
I do not have enough of a volunteer base to deliver the meals ... and we don't have enough funding to pay for enough staff to get it delivered ... I have meal funding to take about 150 clients off of that wait list right now, but I can't do it without greater capacity.Meals on Wheels provider
What It Would Take to End the Wait
- Sustainable funding to invest in infrastructure and expand capacity to meet rising demand.
- Additional volunteers to deliver meals and moments of connection.
- More staff capacity to expand services.
- Top challenges to serving meals to all seniors in the community that need them: funding to pay for the meals, funding uncertainty and food prices.
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™.
Download Factsheet
