Advocacy

Meals on Wheels

The Older Americans Act Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) program effectively supports Wisconsin's most vulnerable older adults by providing nutritious meals, social visits, safety checks, and community connections. In 2023 in Wisconsin, Meals on Wheels served as the main meal for 70% of nearly 34,000 participants. Of these participants, 50% were at high nutritional risk and 25% were below the poverty level. These services help older adults remain independent at home, preventing costly institutional care - a year of meals costs about the same as one hospital day or 10 days in a nursing home.

Why are Meals on Wheels programs struggling?

• Significant increase in food costs

• Programs no longer receives additional funding through ARPA, CARES or CAA (temporary dollars released during the pandemic)

• Programs no longer have the flexibility to use senior dining and other Older American Act dollars for the program (Meals on Wheels in this case) that has the greatest demand

• Federal funding increased, but not nearly enough to cover the rising costs associated with and demand to run the program

Share your story.

Using your voice to tell your story can make a difference. It is ok if you are not sure where to start - you know your story best, so start with your experience. Tell legislators how programs that you benefit from significantly impact your life or the loves of your loved ones and friends. Help our decision-makers understand why the programs you use are essential to your health and independence. They can only help if they know how to help, share your story.