#USA #Arlington #Meals on Wheels #government shutdown #Senior Nutrition

Meals on Wheels America Urges an End to Government Shutdown

In light of the escalating community demands and the alarming depletion of funding for senior nutrition programs, Meals on Wheels America is raising an urgent call to action. The organization is imploring Congress and the administration to pass a funding package dedicated to prioritizing the needs of seniors who are heavily reliant on their services. The recent government shutdown threatens to eliminate essential resources for over two million seniors across the nation who depend on Meals on Wheels, funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

The organization has recently conducted a survey involving 298 local providers to assess the repercussions of the shutdown. The findings paint a stark picture; a significant 93% of Meals on Wheels providers rely on federal funding, such as block grants and USDA programs. Without the timely resumption of these funds, one in three providers (33%) would be unable to sustain their operations for more than a month, leading to dire consequences for vulnerable older adults.

Impact of the Funding Delays

A staggering 61% of surveyed providers have already faced or expect upcoming delays in government funding. The immediate areas of concern center around the services they offer: 53% of them indicated that home-delivered meals would be the first to be cut, followed closely by staff reductions (52%) and congregate meals (46%).

Ellie Hollander, the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, stated, “Over 40% of our providers depend on OAA funding to cover at least half of their nutrition budget. The delays we’re witnessing in federal reimbursements are affecting operations dramatically.” Many providers, already functioning within tight margins, are now forced to suspend meal services or scale back delivery days, exacerbating an already critical situation for seniors in need.

The conditions are more precarious due to recent announcements from the USDA, which noted that it would not utilize SNAP contingency funds after October 31, potentially worsening food insecurity for millions, including nearly seven million older citizens. This comes at a time when Meals on Wheels programs were already under-resourced and facing increased challenges due to the ongoing shutdown.

Historical Context of Funding Issues

The struggles surrounding the OAA Nutrition Program are not new. Among those providers dependent on OAA funding, 47% have already observed a decline in their funding over the previous year, and 20% are experiencing persistent delays. While some programs might temporarily sustain operations through reserve funds or state-level emergency measures, the threat to senior access to nutritious meals becomes increasingly severe as the shutdown persists.

In light of these findings, Meals on Wheels America is urgently appealing to Congress and the administration to end the shutdown by advancing a funding package that carries substantial and immediate aid for seniors. Interested individuals can take actions via the organization’s website to advocate for this pressing issue.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America stands as the leadership organization supporting a network of over 5,000 community-based programs dedicated to alleviating senior hunger and isolation. With a committed volunteer base, these programs are vital in ensuring seniors receive not only meals but also the social connections and safety they require to maintain their well-being. Through advocacy, funding, and educational efforts, Meals on Wheels America empowers local programs to enhance the quality of life for seniors across the country. For more information or to discover a service provider near you, please visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.