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. Many of the people are already proud and don’t want to ask, so you know they’ve hit a spot where they’re desperate. Nobody should be hungry.Meals on Wheels Provider
Waitlists Are Long and Getting Even Longer
According to our recent research with local Meals on Wheels providers, nearly 46,000 seniors are on waitlists — that’s nearly enough people to fill Yankee Stadium.
187 average number of seniors per waitlists
5,000+ largest known waitlist
50%+ with waitlists say their list has grown in recent years
Featured Story
Mrs. Janie
Mrs. Janie Tope-Dawes, a 93-year-old Texan, once a poet, model and secretary, faced deep isolation and health challenges after losing her husband and suffering a stroke. Living alone with limited mobility, she turned to Meals on Wheels San Antonio for support. The nutritious meals and compassionate connections helped restore her strength, health and sense of purpose. Today, Mrs. Janie finds joy not only in the meals but in the community of volunteers who’ve become like family, helping her feel seen, nourished and truly cared for.
Why Waitlists Exist: The Challenge Behind the Crisis
As America’s senior population grows, so does the urgent need for services. Unfortunately, Meals on Wheels providers are struggling to keep pace with rising demand.
- Funding shortfalls are the biggest reason for waitlists. More than 80% say a lack of sustainable funding is why their waitlist exists.
- The need is rapidly growing. The nation now has more adults age 60 and older than children, and the number of older adults continues to grow.
- Staffing and volunteer shortages make things worse. Recruiting and retaining staff and volunteers is an ongoing challenge that limits capacity.
- Infrastructure constraints also contribute to waitlists. Maxed-out kitchen space, aging delivery vehicles and equipment, and outdated technology limit local providers’ ability to fully meet their communities’ needs.
If left unaddressed, waitlists will continue to grow. More than 100 additional Meals on Wheels providers may have to start a waitlist soon, leaving far too many seniors waiting for nutritious means and critical companionship.
The number of Meals on Wheels participants continues to rise, just as the number of seniors across the country continues to rise. If numbers continue as trends suggest, we probably will have to implement a wait.Meals on Wheels Provider
Serving More with Less
Meals on Wheels providers are innovating to serve more seniors despite limited resources. Some providers with waitlists are:
- Temporarily delivering frozen meals
- Offering grab-and-go meals
- Expanding referral networks
- Leveraging community partnerships
- Checking in on waitlisted seniors
Meals on Wheels providers are ready to serve more seniors to End the Wait, but creative solutions can only go so far — they need more sustainable funding to expand capacity and meet rising demand.
Featured Story
“We Do Everything We Can.”
Meals on Wheels providers across the country are facing a growing crisis. Rising demand, fewer volunteers and limited funding have led to ballooning waitlists.
For organizations managing these waitlists, the hardest part is telling seniors they can’t help right away. Instead of delivering meals, they have to deliver heartbreaking news.
“We have to look people in the eye and say, ‘We don’t have the money. We can’t provide this service, and we’ll keep in touch with you and try to ensure we do everything we can to help you as soon as possible.’” — Local Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Joy Barressi
With more help, Meals on Wheels providers can reach more seniors and truly transform the way we care for older adults.
Help Us End the Wait™
Right now, too many seniors are waiting for the meals and care they desperately need. Meals on Wheels are ready to serve more, but we need your help to make it happen. Together, we can ensure every senior has access to nutritious meals and meaningful connections.
