In honor and celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA), Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (HCS) joins Meals on Wheels America in urging Congress and the administration to protect and increase its funding. The OAA supports community-based Meals on Wheels providers like HCS]. For six decades this landmark legislation has connected older adults to vital services that help people age with health and dignity – in their own homes and communities, where they want to be.

While the population of adults aged 60 and older has increased by more than 217% nationally since the OAA was enacted, federal funding has simply not kept pace. With rising costs of food, fuel, labor and operations, as well as increased need among a growing senior population, current funding levels are insufficient to meet the escalating demand for Meals on Wheels services. If programs like Meals on Wheels do not receive proper funding, they could be forced to cut services, extend waitlists or turn vulnerable seniors away entirely.

The OAA is an evidence-based and cost-effective solution that improves health outcomes and decreases health care costs. To put the impact into perspective, providers can serve a senior Meals on Wheels for an entire year – including nutritious meals, moments of social connection and safety and wellness checks – for roughly the same cost as 10 days in a long-term care facility or just one day in a hospital.

“Today, 13 million older adults experience or are at risk of food insecurity, and an estimated 2.5 million low-income, food insecure seniors are not receiving the help they need,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Without the funding they need, 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels providers currently has a waitlist, with an average wait time of nearly four months. We must urge Congress and the administration to protect and bolster the Older Americans Act – ensuring it can continue to support our rapidly growing senior population for another 60 years and beyond.”

Meals on Wheels America urges supporters to contact their members of Congress using this call script during a collective day of action on Monday, July 14.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are 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. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.