MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA RAISES AWARENESS FOR SENIOR ISOLATION AND HUNGER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, URGING PUBLIC TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER

New “For Old Times' Sake” campaign spotlights the loneliness millions of seniors face during the holidays when demand for services is increasing

Key Facts:

  • New campaign launch: Meals on Wheels America is launching For Old Times' Sake, a holiday awareness campaign and accompanying video highlighting the loneliness and isolation millions of homebound seniors face during the holidays.
  • The scope of the crisis: Nearly 14 million seniors nationwide worry about where their next meal will come from, and more than half report feeling lonely – a crisis compounded by rising costs and insufficient funding, forcing local providers to cut services, expand waitlists or even close entirely.
  • A call to action: The organization is urging the public to donate, volunteer and advocate this giving season to ensure no senior spends the holidays without a meal or human connection.
  • A federal funding ask with a deadline: Meals on Wheels America is requesting $2.285 billion in federal funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program to eliminate waitlists, with added urgency as the continuing resolution funding the government expires Dec. 11, 2026 and Congress makes funding decisions for fiscal year 2027.

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 10, 2026 -- As older adults across the country face worsening hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and social isolation, local Meals on Wheels providers are fighting to secure adequate federal funding, donations and volunteers to keep up with demand. This giving season, Meals on Wheels America is calling on the public to donate their money, time and voice so that no senior spends the holidays alone, waiting for a meal or a moment of human connection.

Nearly 14 million seniors nationwide worry about where their next meal will come from, and more than half feel lonely. To put a face to these numbers, Meals on Wheels America is launching For Old Times' Sake, a new campaign illustrating the powerful impact a single Meals on Wheels delivery can have. The accompanying video shows how millions of homebound, isolated seniors spend the holidays without the companionship that makes the season meaningful.

“The holidays tend to stir up fond memories and anticipation of gathering with loved ones, sharing meals and swapping stories. For Old Times’ Sake reminds us that while the holidays are meant to be a time of togetherness and joy, far too many seniors will be hungry and alone,” said Ellie Hollander, president and chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels America. “Let’s do our part to help ensure our aging neighbors feel loved and remembered this holiday season by donating and/or volunteering.”

An affordability crisis is compounding the problem as it impacts Meals on Wheels providers, their volunteer force and the seniors they serve. Rising costs are forcing local providers to make impossible choices such as suspending meal services, initiating or expanding waitlists for meals, reducing the number of meals or delivery days or even closing their doors altogether. This is especially devastating during a season meant to be defined by warmth and connection.

That’s why Meals on Wheels America is requesting $2.285 billion in federal funding for the OAA Nutrition Program – the amount needed to eliminate waitlists and ensure every senior in need is served. And with the quickly approaching Dec. 11, 2026, expiration of the current continuing resolution funding our government, Congress has the opportunity to prioritize seniors and properly fund the OAA for the rest of FY27. Contact your members of Congress and tell them to increase funding for Meals on Wheels.

This holiday season, show seniors they are remembered and cared for – for old times’ sake and for moments yet to come. Donate at mealsonwheelsamerica.org/for-old-times-sake to help End the Wait and ensure every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. You can also find volunteer opportunities at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/volunteer.

ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country 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. Through public awareness, funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. At a time when demand for Meals on Wheels services is growing, and many seniors are left waiting, Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to helping End the Wait® and ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. For more information, or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. You can also find Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok and X.

Contact:
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Meals on Wheels America