Shutdown and Funding Cuts Leave Seniors Facing Hunger and Isolation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 30, 2025 – The ongoing government shutdown and persistent cuts to federal funding are creating a crisis for millions of seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels America for essential nutrition and social connection. As federal agencies remain closed and funding for vital programs dries up, local Meals on Wheels programs are being forced to make drastic cuts, leaving vulnerable older Americans facing hunger and increased isolation.

The Looming Crisis: Federal Funding at Risk

Meals on Wheels America, a national organization supporting over 5,000 local programs, has issued an urgent plea for Congress and the Administration to resolve the funding impasse. The vast majority of these local programs – approximately 93% – depend on federal funding, primarily through the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program. For many, this funding constitutes more than half of their total budget. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: despite increasing need, federal funding for senior nutrition has not kept pace, and recent cuts are exacerbating the problem. While overall OAA funding saw a slight decrease for fiscal year 2024, the critical Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP), which incentivizes the use of domestically sourced foods, faced a substantial 30% reduction.

“The situation is dire,” said one program director in Texas. “We're facing a perfect storm of increased need, dwindling resources, and a lot of uncertainty. Every day the shutdown continues, the more difficult it becomes to maintain even a basic level of service.”

The timing couldn't be worse. The shutdown coincides with the end of supplemental SNAP benefits, further increasing the number of seniors struggling to afford groceries. This has created a surge in demand for Meals on Wheels programs, even as their ability to respond is severely hampered.

Impact on Local Programs and Seniors

The effects of the funding cuts are already being felt across the country. Local Meals on Wheels programs are being forced to reduce services, cut meals, and even suspend deliveries altogether. In San Antonio, Texas, 350 seniors have had their home-delivered meals suspended indefinitely. Similarly, programs in Contra Costa County, California and Houston, Texas, have been forced to cut meals and reduce services, impacting hundreds of vulnerable individuals. One program director in Georgia estimates that their program could run out of funding as early as next month if the shutdown persists.

“We’re having to make impossible choices,” said another program director in California. “Do we reduce the number of meals we deliver, or do we cut back on the frequency of deliveries? Either way, someone is going to suffer.”

The cuts are not only impacting the quantity of meals delivered but also the quality of service. Programs are being forced to rely more heavily on volunteers and donations, which are often insufficient to meet the growing need. Many programs are also struggling to maintain safety checks and social interactions, which are vital for the well-being of homebound seniors. The lack of funding is also resulting in increased waitlists; one in three local Meals on Wheels programs currently maintain waiting lists, with seniors waiting an average of three months for vital meals.

“It’s not just about the food,” said a volunteer in Washington state. “For many of these seniors, the Meals on Wheels delivery is the only human contact they have all day. It’s a lifeline.”

Beyond Nutrition: The Broader Impact on Senior Health and Wellbeing

Meals on Wheels programs provide far more than just a meal. They offer a critical safety net for homebound seniors, providing social connection, safety checks, and preventative care. The program helps seniors maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. The absence of these services can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.

A lack of proper nutrition can lead to weakened immune systems, increased risk of chronic diseases, and cognitive decline. Social isolation can contribute to depression, anxiety, and a decline in overall quality of life. Regular check-ins by Meals on Wheels volunteers can also help identify potential health problems early on, preventing more serious complications.

“We’re often the first ones to notice if something is wrong,” said a volunteer in Florida. “We might notice a senior is confused, or that their home is unusually cluttered, or that they haven’t been eating properly. We can then alert their family or healthcare provider.”

The value of these preventative services is often overlooked, but they can save healthcare systems significant amounts of money in the long run. Investing in Meals on Wheels programs is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a cost-effective way to improve the health and well-being of older Americans. The program’s broader impact on senior health and wellbeing is now at risk because of funding cuts and the government shutdown.