House Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Testimony

May 26, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander shared outside witness testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress with Budget and Appropriations Requests for FY 2023

May 24, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging increased funding levels for Older American Act (OAA) programs and other key services that support older adults in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress Regarding Additional Supplemental Federal Funding to Address COVID-19

May 19, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter sent to the House and Senate leaders urging support for the White House’s request of additional supplemental federal funding to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This investment will continue to support the millions of older Americans and other communities still at risk, as well as better prepare our health care systems for the future.

National Organizations Share Priorities for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

May 19, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined other national anti-hunger organizations in establishing priorities for the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The priorities focus on elevating the issue of hunger in America and provide a number of recommendations to examine the root causes of – and identify solutions for – food insecurity and hunger among the millions of individuals and families who experience them.

Meals on Wheels Program Leader Testifies Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education on Healthy Aging

May 12, 2022 | Patti Lyons, Meals on Wheels America Board Chair and President and CEO of Senior Citizens, Inc., delivered written and oral testimony before the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) Appropriations Subcommittee for a hearing “Healthy Aging: Maximizing the Independence, Well-being, and Health of Older Adults,” where she spoke on the importance of nutrition – and senior nutrition programs, like Meals on Wheels – to support healthy aging for older adults. 

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Requesting Increased Funding for FY 2023 Appropriations Subcommittee Bill

May 10, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined nearly 370 national, state and local organizations in sending a sign-on letter to leaders of House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) Appropriations Subcommittees calling for increased allocations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Labor-HHS-Ed bill to ensure the robust, sustained, and predictable investments that programs under this subcommittee require.

Letter Championed by Representatives Bonamici, Deutch, Katko and Stefanik Calls for Increased Appropriations in FY 2023 for Older Americans Act Programs, Including Senior Nutrition

April 27, 2022 |  Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued a statement in response to a Dear Colleague letter urging the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act Title III programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

The Alliance to End Hunger Sends Federal Funding Priorities to Congress

April 21, 2022 | The Alliance to End Hunger, of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee with Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding level recommendations for federal programs that address and promote nutrition and food security, including increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letter to House Appropriations Committee Regarding Funding for the OAA Nutrition Program in FY 2023

April 20, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent joint letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for a total of $1.934 billion.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Statement on Senior Nutrition Funding in President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

March 30, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato issued a joint statement in response to the release of the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, which highlights the Administration’s priorities for the coming year.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Applaud Congressional Resolutions Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

March 22, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato issued the following joint statement in response to two separate Congressional resolutions in the House of Representatives and the Senate recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program. In the House, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Theodore E. Deutch (D-FL) and John Katko (R-NY) led House Resolution 993 with more than 55 Representatives signing on as original cosponsors. In the Senate, Chairman Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-SC) of the Senate Special Committee on Aging led and cosponsored Senate Resolution 550.

AARP Celebrates Turning 50 Like No Other, and So Will We

March 21, 2022 | The Hill published an op-ed authored by National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato and Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander about the history and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program, which provides federal funding for nutrition services for older adults and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to White House Regarding Convening a Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Convening

March 14, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter led by the Alliance to End Hunger with over 180 national, state and local nutrition and anti-hunger organizations to the President calling for a public commitment to convening a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health to identify challenges and solutions to addressing issues related to hunger, food insecurity, poverty and health.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Call for More to be Done to Address Hunger and Isolation Among Older Adults

March 11, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement following the passage of H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, a $1.5 trillion spending bill to fund federal programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter in Support of White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health

March 8, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined nearly 140 other organizations in a sign on letter to the White House in support of convening a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health to help end hunger and nutrition insecurity and to improve public health and healthcare outcomes.  

LCAO Sends Letter in Support of Reestablishing the House Select Committee on Aging

March 4, 2022 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to Congress in support of reestablishing the House Select Committee on Aging (HSCoA), as proposed in H. Res. 583, a Resolution introduced by Rep. David Cicilline.

Meals on Wheels America and Local Programs Across the Country Celebrate A Special March for Meals Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

March 1, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America issued a national press release to kick off its month-long March for Meals campaign honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter Congress Urging Restoration of the Employee Retention Tax Credit in Upcoming Spending Package

February 28, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter with 40+ national nonprofit organizations and businesses urging Congressional leaders to reinstate the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) by supporting passage of the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act (H.R. 6161/S.3625) in the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations omnibus bill or as a standalone bill.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to the White House and Congress Regarding Pandemic and Workforce Shortage Relief Priorities for Charitable Nonprofits

February 14, 2022, Updated February 28, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined 1,250+ national, state and local organizations from all 50 states in a sign-on letter led by the National Council of Nonprofits to the President and Congressional leadership calling for legislative actions to support and provide additional relief to the charitable sector, especially around ongoing staff and volunteer shortages.

The Alliance to End Hunger Sends Federal Funding Priorities to Congress

January 31, 2022 | The Alliance to End Hunger, of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee with Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 funding level recommendations for federal programs that address and promote nutrition and food security, including increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter Calling for Investments in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services

• Meals on Wheels America

January 31, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter with national and state organizations to Congressional leaders urging support for funding for Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in any legislative package that moves forward. Investments are needed in HCBS infrastructure to help address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities, as well as to build and support the workforce that provides these services.

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress Regarding FY 2022 Federal Funding

January 24, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter sent to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for the passage of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations omnibus bill with funding increases for programs that serve older adults.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Expanded COVID-19 Testing for Older Adults

January 24, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter with national and state organizations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator calling for expanded access to COVID-19 tests and vaccines for older adults through the Medicare program.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to White House and Congress Urging Restoration of the Employee Retention Tax Credit

January 19, 2022 | Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter with 50 national nonprofit and trade associations urging the President and Congressional leaders to reinstate the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) through the end of 2021 by supporting passage of the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act (H.R. 6161).

National Aging and Nutrition Organizations Urge More Vaccinations and Boosters to Help Protect Older Adults

December 13, 2021 | ADvancing States, USAging, Meals on Wheels America, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) issued a joint press statement encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for eligible individuals amid new and existing variants, the holiday season and data revealing one in every 100 older adults has died from the virus.

House Passes Critical Funding Tackling Senior Hunger and Isolation; Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Senate to Quickly Follow Suit

November 19, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato issued a joint press statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), which includes $1.2 billion in overall Older Americans Act funding.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to House of Representatives Urging Support for Legislation to Create a Medically Tailored Meals Pilot Program in Medicare

November 16, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to the leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee in support of the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Pilot Act of 2021 (H.R. 5370), which would establish a three-year Medicare pilot program to assess the effects of providing medically tailored home-delivered meals to medically vulnerable seniors, aiming to help address the connection between nutrition and chronic illness to improve the healthcare system and the health of older adults.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on HHS 4-Year Strategic Plan

November 5, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America submitted public stakeholder comments on the Draft U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) Strategic Plan Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 with recommendations to strength plan objectives aimed at promoting the health of older adults and addressing social determinants through existing HHS programs, such as Older Americans Act Nutrition Program.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letter to Appropriations Committees Regarding Funding for the OAA Nutrition Program in FY 2022

November 2, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent joint letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for a total of $1.387 billion.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Comment Inclusion of Older Americans Act Funding in Build Back Better Act

October 29, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato issued a joint statement in response to the Older Americans Act provisions included in H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, as updated on October 28.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to Congress Urging Support for Specific Anti-Hunger and Poverty in the Build Back Better Act

September 28, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter led by the Alliance to End Hunger with nearly 45 national, state and local nutrition and anti-hunger organizations to Congressional leaders urging support for several policies to address poverty, food insecurity, and health among families in the Build Back Better Act – including critical funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs like Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Inclusion of Increased Funding for the Older Americans Act in Budget Reconciliation Package

September 15, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato today issued a joint statement in response to the House Committee on Education and Labor’s approval of $1.3 billion in supplemental funding for investments in Older Americans Act programs and infrastructure.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to Congress Regarding the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Charitable Nonprofits

September 1, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter with over 30 other national nonprofit organizations to House and Sente leadership and key Committee chairs urging the extension and improvements to the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). This tax credit has helped nonprofits keep employees on their payrolls and continue to deliver important services and address economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meals on Wheels America Convenes Administration for Community Living’s Acting and Former Administrators and Assistant Secretaries for Aging in Panel Discussion

August 23, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America hosted a panel conversation that convened the Administration for Community Living’s Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging (ASA), Alison Barkoff, and her predecessors from the last three administrations: Lance A. Robertson (2017 – 2021), Kathy J. Greenlee (2009 – 2016) and Josefina G. Carbonell (2001-2009). This panel marked the first time these four Assistant Secretaries for Aging have shared a stage. Watch a recording of this conversation here.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Meals on Wheels: “You should feel proud of the courage and commitment you brought to the frontlines of this crisis”

August 11, 2021 | Vice Admiral Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st Surgeon General of the United States, gave an address at the Meals on Wheels Virtual Conference and Expo, hosted by Meals on Wheels America. Speaking to representatives of 331 local, community-based senior nutrition programs from across the country, Dr. Murthy delivered a powerful message acknowledging the vital role Meals on Wheels programs have played for decades to help alleviate hunger and address struggles with loneliness among the older adults they serve, all of which has been amplified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch Dr. Murthy’s address to Meals on Wheels here.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Regarding Funding for the OAA Nutrition Program in FY 2022

August 3, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for a total of $1.904 billion.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to the White House and Congress Regarding COVID-19 Relief and Economic Recovery Priorities for Charitable Nonprofits

July 21, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter with 55 national nonprofit organizations to President Biden and Congressional leaders urging support for several policies to support the nonprofit workforce and provide the charitable sector with the resources needed to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and meet community needs. 

Meals on Wheels America Sends Joint Letter to Congress Regarding State and Local Match Requirements for Emergency OAA Funding

July 13, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with ADvancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to leaders of key House and Senate Committees urging them to retroactively waive the state and local match requirements for Older Americans Act (OAA) funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in order to make it as easy as possible for this funding to reach local nutrition providers.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letter to House Appropriations Committee Regarding Funding for the OAA Nutrition Program in FY 2022

July 6, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for a total of $1.904 billion.

40 Senators Sign Letter Urging Doubled Funding for the Older Americans Act in FY 2022

June 30, 2021 |Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued a statement in response to a Dear Colleague letter urging the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee to double funding for Older Americans Act programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Senate FY 2022 Appropriations Testimony

June 24, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander, provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for a total of $1.904 billion.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter Urging Increased Spending Levels in FY 2022

June 10, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter along with 300 other organizations urging leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee to increase Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 spending levels for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill in order to give programs like Meals on Wheels a greater chance at funding increases.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Letter to the House Rules Committee Regarding Senior Hunger

June 8, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a letter for the record for the House Committee on Rules virtual roundtable entitled, "Examining Hunger Among Seniors and Multigenerational Families," which was part of an event series examining hunger across the country and focused on the topic of food security and nutrition among older adults and multigenerational households.

Meals on Wheels America Commends Senior Nutrition Funding in President's FY 2022 Budget Request

May 28, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued a statement in response to the release of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget Proposal, which highlights the Administration’s priorities for the coming fiscal year and includes increased funding levels for a number of programs that provide critical support for older adults in need, including $1.341 billion for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program.

Meals on Wheels America Submits House FY 2022 Appropriations Testimony

May 19, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander, provided written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Letter to Congress in Support of the WORK NOW Act

May 11, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed a letter with 35 other national nonprofit organizations to Congressional leaders urging support for the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well (WORK NOW) Act, a bill that would provide grants to help nonprofit organizations retain their employees, scale their service delivery, and provide unemployed people with new jobs serving their communities. 

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress with Budget and Appropriations Requests for FY 2022

May 7, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging increased funding levels for Older American Act (OAA) programs and other key services that support older adults in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letters to Appropriations Committees Regarding FY 2022 Funding

May 7, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent joint letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for a total of $1.904 billion.

Letter Championed by Representatives Bonamici, Deutch, Katko and Stefanik Calls for Increased Appropriations in FY22 for Older Americans Act Programs, Including Senior Nutrition

April 29, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued a press statement in response to a bipartisan Dear Colleague letter signed by over 100 Representatives urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter Requesting Increased Funding for Federal Food and Nutrition Programs in FY 2022

April 27, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter along with over 35 other national organizations to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for increased funding levels for a number of federal food and nutrition programs, including the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on Proposed Legislation to Expand Access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services

April 26, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America submitted comments on a draft of the Home and Community- Based Services (HCBS) Access Act, legislation released by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) that would require HCBS to be a mandatory benefit covered under Medicaid.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Letter to President Biden in Support of the WORK NOW Act

April 20, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed a letter with over 50 other national nonprofit organizations to President Joe Biden in support of the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well (WORK NOW) Act, a bill that would provide grants to help nonprofit organizations retain their employees, scale their service delivery, and provide unemployed people with new jobs serving their communities. 

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter to Congress Urging Investments to Implement the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

April 14, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter from 50 national and state organizations to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the Agriculture and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittees urging greater federal investments in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations and budget legislation to help effectively and equitably implement the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Launches Nationwide Network of Trusted Voices to Encourage Vaccination in Next Phase of COVID-19 Public Education Campaign

April 1, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America was listed as a founding Member of the COVID-19 Community Corps among other community leaders and organizations in a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release about the new national public health education campaign, “We Can Do This”, which is intended to increase vaccine confidence.

LCAO Sends Letter in Support of Reestablishing the House Select Committee on Aging

March 30, 2021 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a Chair letter to Representative David Cicilline urging support for his legislation to reestablish the House Select Committee on Aging (HSCoA).

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging

March 18, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, “COVID-19 One Year Later: Addressing Health Care Needs for At-Risk Americans."

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Requesting Increased Funding for Falls Prevention

March 12, 2021 | Falls Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter to leaders of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee calling for increased federal funding for evidence-based falls prevention programs in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22).

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Praise Enactment of American Rescue Plan

March 11, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato shared a joint statement following enactment of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Passage of a COVID-19 Relief Package with Critical Senior Nutrition Funding

March 2, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato shared a joint statement in response to the American Rescue Plan Act that passed in the House of Representatives on February 27.

LCAO Chair Letter Regarding Recommendations to Support Older Adults in the Next Pandemic Relief Package

February 23, 2021 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent Chair letters to Members of Congress in the House and Senate urging support for a number of policy recommendations to help older adults in future COVID-19 pandemic relief legislation.

Meals on Wheels America Joins National Letter Urging Congress to Pass Additional Hunger Relief in Next COVID-19 Response Bill

February 19, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America and over 30 other national anti-hunger organizations signed onto a letter urging House and Senate leaders to include a number of food security and nutrition provisions in the next emergency relief package that would help individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 hunger crisis receive the food assistance and economic relief they need as the pandemic continues.

Senators Send Letter Calling for More than $1.4 Billion in Emergency Funding For OAA Programs

February 12, 2021 | 16 Senators sent a letter led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) calling for more than $1.4 billion in emergency funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs in the next COVID-19 relief package, including $750 million for nutrition services, and targeted funding for vaccine-related outreach and support for older adults receiving services through the Aging Network.

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress Urging Funding and Support for Aging Network COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts

February 9, 2021 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to Congressional leadership calling for legislation and emergency federal funding to help Aging Services Network organizations, like local Meals on Wheels programs, provide COVID-19 vaccination outreach and support to older adults living in their homes and communities.

Joint Statement from ADvancing States, n4a, Meals on Wheels America, NANASP and NCOA on Emergency COVID-19 Relief Funding for OAA Programs

February 9, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America released a joint statement with Advancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) supporting emergency Older Americans Act (OAA) funding included in the next COVID-19 relief bill.

The Hill: More relief funds are needed for vaccination, nutrition services to help older Americans

February 8, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato published an op-ed in The Hill which details a joint ask for emergency Older Americans Act (OAA) funding and vaccination support in any upcoming relief legislation.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Congress to Pass a COVID-19 Relief Package that Includes Critically Needed Senior Nutrition Funding as Proposed by House Committee

February 8, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato shared a joint statement in response to the COVID-19 relief legislative text released by the House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter Requesting Federal Support and Resources for the Aging Network to Help COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

February 2, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter urging Congressional leaders to provide resources to the Aging Network in the next pandemic relief package to support their COVID-19 outreach and education efforts targeting the most at-risk and hardest-to-reach older adults.

Disability and Aging Collaborative Letter Regarding Dedicated Home- and Community-Based Services Funding and Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities in the Next COVID-19 Relief Bill

February 2, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) urging Congressional leaders to support COVID-19 relief legislation that includes dedicated funding for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which many older adults and people with disabilities reply on to remain safe in their homes and communities.

The Alliance to End Hunger Sends Priorities for Future COVID-19 Relief Legislation to Congress

February 1, 2021 | The Alliance to End Hunger, of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling on them to address the growing hunger crisis and support a number of provisions to combat food insecurity in the future COVID-19 relief legislation - including $750 million in emergency funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Joint Letter to Congress Urging Additional COVID-19 Funding and Relief for OAA Services and Vaccine Efforts

January 27, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with ADvancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) urging House and Senate leaders to provide at least $1.364 billion in emergency funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs – including $750 million for nutrition services and $200 million for vaccination outreach to and support for hard-to-reach older adults – in the next COVID-19 relief bill. 

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter Urging COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation to Support the Charitable Sector

January 22, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter with over 70 other national nonprofit organizations to President Biden and Congressional leaders urging support for legislation that addresses the unique pandemic-related needs of the nonprofit sector and provides adequate relief for charitable organizations and nonprofits.

President-Elect Commits to Addressing Growing Hunger Crisis

January 15, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement in response to President-elect Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Meals on Wheels America Leadership Condemns Attack on U.S. Capitol and our Democracy

January 10, 2021 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander, Board Chair Patti Lyons and Vice Chair Calvin Moore released a statement in response to the January 6, 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol.

LCAO Sends Priorities to Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team

December 30, 2020 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to the Biden-Harris transition team urging consideration of specific recommendations and priorities developed by the coalition to support older adults as they develop programs and policies within the new administration.

Nonprofits Welcome Coronavirus Relief Legislation, Call for Additional Relief in 2021

December 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a coalition of 17 national nonprofits in issuing a joint statement regarding bipartisan legislation passed by Congress to provide additional emergency relief to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Bill Doesn’t Go Far Enough; More Must be Done in 2021 to Prevent Senior Hunger and Isolation

December 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement in response to the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Joint Letter to National Governors Association Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

December 18, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to leaders of the National Governors Association (NGA) urging the development of guidance for governors to ensure that senior nutrition provider staff and frontline volunteers are clearly and consistently considered “essential workers,” and given priority as such for COVID-19 vaccinations.

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress with Appropriations Request for FY21

December 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging adequate funding levels for Older American Act (OAA) and other key programs that support older adults in the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) appropriations bills, especially during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Prompt and Bipartisan Passage of Emergency COVID-19 Relief Legislation to Serve Millions of Seniors in Need

December 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement in response to the framework summary proposed for the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on Proposed Set of Recommended Quality Measures for Medicaid HCBS

November, 18, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America submitted comments on a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information (RFI) regarding a recommended set of quality measures for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs and services.

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Joint Letter to House and Senate Leadership Regarding Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations and COVID-19 Relief

November 11, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to House and Senate leadership calling for bipartisan agreement on FY 2021 appropriations packages that include increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program and emergency funding and flexibilities provided in any upcoming COVID-19 relief legislation.

Meals on Wheels America Joins 4,000+ Charitable Organizations in Letter to President-Elect Joe Biden

November 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter with more than 4,000 charitable organizations from across the country to President-Elect Joe Biden regarding challenges faced by nonprofits serving as frontline providers of essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter shares policy solutions that were included in an earlier letter to Congress and urges the Presidential Transition Office to address challenges and encourage emergency relief for the nonprofit sector.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Joint Letter to Congress Urging Additional COVID-19 Funding and Relief

October 2, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with ADvancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to House and Senate leadership in support of the updated Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act passed by the House on October 1, which includes additional emergency funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) services and supports, specifically $500 million for nutrition services, to ensure independence and well-being of older adults during the pandemic. 

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Passage of Emergency Pandemic Relief Provided for Nutrition Programs in the HEORES Act to Support Most Vulnerable

September 30 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement in response to the release of the updated Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act introduced in the House of Representatives. The legislation would provide $925 million for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs – including $500 million designated specifically for nutrition services – and a number of provisions that would help combat food insecurity and support senior nutrition programs throughout the pandemic.

Nonprofit Leaders Call for COVID-19 Relief Deal to Avert Further Job Losses and Economic Damage

September 24, 2020 |  Meals on Wheels America signed a letter along with the leaders of several national nonprofits addressed to Congressional leaders urging support for legislation that addresses the unique pandemic-related needs of the nonprofit sector - a major employer and provider of essential health and human services - and urging swift passage an bipartisan bill with adequate relief for nonprofits and charitable organizations.

LCAO Chair's Letter to Congress Regarding Support for the United States Postal Service

September 22, 2020 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a Chair's letter to Members of Congress in the House and Senate urging action to support the United States Postal Service (USPS) sustain its role as an essential delivery service to older adults, who largely depend on the service to deliver communications and goods that are integral to their health, independence, and quality of life.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter to USDA Urging Extension of Waivers for the Child Nutrition Program Amid COVID-19

August 11, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Brandon Lipps, and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Administrator Pamilyn Miller urging USDA to use its authority to extent several current child nutrition program waivers set to expire for several. These nationwide waiver flexibilities help providers more easily serve meals to individuals and ensure families have access to nutrition assistance they need throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter Urging COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation to Support the Charitable Sector

September 11, 2020 |  Meals on Wheels America signed onto a National Council of Nonprofits sign-on letter to the Leaders of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures urging them to pass COVID-19 relief legislation with policy solutions to provide tax relief and additional support for nonprofits and charitable organizations.

Coalition of Nonprofits Calls on Congress to Act Quickly to Pass Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Legislation

September 10, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a coalition statement along with 30 other national nonprofit organizations urging Congress to enact bipartisan coronavirus relief legislation - including adequate funding and relief for the nonprofit sector - as soon as possible.

Meals on Wheels America Commends Bipartisan Letters in House and senate Urging Additional COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funding For Senior Nutrition Programs

August 25, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement in response to recent letters sent to Congressional leadership urging at least $1.1 billion in funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs in the next COVID-19 relief bill. 

96 Representatives Send Bipartisan Dear Colleague Letter Calling for Emergency Funding For OAA Nutrition Programs

August 25, 2020 | 92 Representatives signed a bipartisan letter led by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (Oregon), John Katko (New York), Susan Wild (Pennsylvania) and Elise Stefanik (New York) urging House leaders to provide $1.1 billion in emergency funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, including $750 million for nutrition, in the next COVID-19 relief package.

New Survey Results Show Meals on Wheels Network Continues to Face Unprecedented Demand and Rising Costs Due to COVID-19

August 12, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement with the new results of the latest pulse survey conducted which found that nearly all local Meals on Wheels programs are experiencing financial strain and uncertainty while maintaining critical service to an estimated hundreds of thousands more seniors than before the pandemic hit in March.

16 Senators Send Bipartisan Letter Calling for Emergency Funding For OAA Nutrition Programs

August 10, 2020 | 16 Senators signed a bipartisan letter led by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) and Susan Collins (Maine) urging Senate leaders to provide $1.1 billion in emergency funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, including $750 million for nutrition services, in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Meals on Wheels Joins 800+ Organizations in Letter Urging Senate Leaders to Pass Extend Census Reporting Deadlines

August 6, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter with 800+ other national, state and local organizations urging Senate leaders to support a complete and accurate Census count by extending the statutory reporting deadline for the 2020 Census by four months in the next COVID-19 relief package.

LCAO Chair's Letter Regarding Older Adults in Next Relief Pandemic Relief Package

August 5, 2020 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a Chair's letter to Members of Congress in the House and Senate urging specific recommendations to support older adults in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Priorities for Next COVID-19 Response Package in Joint Letter to Congress

August 3, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with ADvancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to House and Senate leadership urging swift passage of additional coronavirus relief legislation that includes the requested levels of emergency funding needed for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, as well as fiscal relief for state and local governments to prevent further cuts to these programs serving seniors in their homes and communities.

LCAO Sends Letter Urging Senate to Address the Broadband and Telehealth Needs of Older Adults in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package

July 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) sign-on letter urging Senate leaders to address the gaps in older adults' access to broadband and telehealth technology and to consider including specific legislation to help close the digital divide for senior in the next coronavirus response package.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Statement on Urgent Need for Emergency Funding to Combat Senior Hunger and Isolation

July 28, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) issued a joint statement in response to multiple COVID-19 relief proposals being negotiated on Capitol Hill.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Congress to Enact Urgently Needed COVID-19 Relief Legislation

July 28, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the Coalition on Human Needs (CNH) urging Members of Congress to enact new pandemic relief legislation that adequately address the health and economic crisis impacting families and individuals across the country.

Meals on Wheels America Statement on Launch of Vote to End Hunger

July 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued this statement as leading anti-hunger organizations in the United States relaunch a campaign to draw attention to the growing issues of hunger and poverty during the 2020 elections.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter with Recommendations to Ensure Access to USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs

July 20, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Administrator Pamilyn Miller urging the extension and other key policy changes to ensure vulnerable individuals and families have access to nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Meals on Wheels America Joins Nonprofit Community Letter Urging Congress to Support the Charitable Sector in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package

July 13, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the National Council of Nonprofits to Congressional leaders urging them to address several key issues facing the nonprofit sector and to ensure they are able to continue providing frontline services amid COVID-19 and help communities recover.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Joint Letter to Congress Regarding Next COVID-19 Relief Package

July 2, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a joint letter with ADvancing States, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) to House and Senate leadership calling for an additional $1.1 billion in emergency funding for OAA programs in the next coronavirus relief package, as well as fiscal relief for state and local governments to prevent further cuts to these programs serving seniors in their homes and communities.

LCAO Statement on Racial Injustice

June 2020 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member,  issued a statement condemning racial injustice and the harms it has caused generations of Black people and other Americans of color in our country.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Letter Urging Increased SNAP Benefits to Help Address the Needs of Communities of Color Disproportionately Impacted by COVD-19

June 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by Feeding America, National Urban League and Unidos US urging Congressional leaders to swiftly enact emergency relief legislation to increase monthly benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Meals on Wheels America Signs Letter Urging Federal Funding to Increase Numbers of Young People of Color in Health Allied Careers

June 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels signed onto a letter led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in support of the Academy and NAFEO’s request for $310 million to increase the numbers of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans in allied health education programs, including nutrition and dietetics in an effort to help reduce persistent health disparities and improve the health status for communities of color.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Letter Calling for Boosted SNAP Benefits Amid COVID-19 and Widespread Food Insecurity

June 18, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined nearly 2,500 national, regional, state and local organizations in sending a letter to Senate leaders calling for increased monthly SNAP benefits and additional investments to address widespread food insecurity in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging

June 11, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic."

Meals on Wheels Joins VA Nonprofits in Letter to U.S. Representative Urging Support for Expanded Charitable Tax Deduction

June 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter from the CEOs of six major private charities to their U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA-08) urging support for expansion of the charitable tax deduction to encourage donations to nonprofits and bolster these organizations as they provide frontline services to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAHO Statement on Structural Racism

June 4, 2020 | The National Anti-Hunger Organizations (NAHO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, issued a statement denouncing the death of George Floyd and underlying structural racism.

Meals on Wheels America Statement Responding to Nationwide Civil Unrest

June 2, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander, Board Chair Patti Lyons and Vice Chair Calvin Moore issued a statement in response to the nationwide civil unrest and systematic racism.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto Letter Urging Extension of Waivers to Ensure Access to Nutrition Assistance Programs

June 2, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a sign-on letter to Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Administrator Pamilyn Miller urging swift extension of child nutrition program waivers to ensure vulnerable individuals and families have access to nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Disability and Aging Collaborative Sends Priorities for the Next COVID-19 Relief Package

May 26, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC) to Senate leadership urging them to include a series of policy recommendations assist people with disabilities and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the next legislative relief package.  

LCAO Sends Letter to Congress with Appropriations Request for FY21

May 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging adequate funding levels for Older American Act (OAA) and other key programs that support older adults in the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) appropriations bills.

Senate FY21 Appropriations Testimony

May 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

LCAO Letter Urging Expanded FMAP in Next Legislative COVID-19 Relief Package

May 20, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to Senate leaders urging support for an increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the next COVID-19 relief package due to provide additional federal support for state and territorial Medicaid programs.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Increasing National Demand for Services and Growing Waitlists

May 7, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement with the results of new survey conducted that found nearly all local Meals on Wheels programs experienced increased demand, with four in five programs reporting that new meal requests have doubled since March 1, 2020, when concerns over COVID-19 and social distancing measures began taking hold.

Senate Dear Colleague Letter Urging Nonprofit Relief in Next COVID-19 Relief Package

April 27, 2020 | 28 U.S. Senators signed a Dear Colleague letter led by Senator Brain Schatz (Hawaii) urging Senate Leaders and Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide additional emergency support to the nonprofit sector – including additional supplemental funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs – in the next legislative COVID-19 relief package.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Increased 302(b) Suballocations in FY21

April 16, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the Coalition on Human Needs (CNH) urging the House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to increase the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) suballocation amount for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Emergency Funding for the Social Services Block Grant

April 15, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter led by the Social Services Block Grant Coalition urging Congress to include $4.1 billion in emergency funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) in additional legislative packages to respond to COVID-19.

LCAO Sends Congressional Leaders Recommendations to Support Older Americans in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package

April 8, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to Congressional leaders with recommendations to protect and support older adults in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Increased SNAP Benefits in the in Next COVID-19 Relief Package

April 8, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter led by the Alliance to End Hunger urging Congressional leadership and the White House to increase the SNAP benefit levels in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.

Senate Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Older Americans Act Programs in FY21

March 27, 2020 | 38 U.S. Senators signed a Dear Colleague letter led by Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont) urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III programs – like congregate and home-delivered nutrition services – in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

House Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Older Americans Act Programs in FY21

March 13, 2020 | 140+ U.S. Representatives signed a bipartisan Dear Colleague letter led by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (Oregon) urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III programs – like congregate and home-delivered nutrition services – in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Letters to Appropriations Committees Regarding FY21 Funding

May 12, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent joint letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, and Related Agencies calling for increased funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program in Fiscal Year 2021 for a total of $1,028,753,000 – a 10% increase above the Fiscal Year 2020 level – which is needed to provide nutrition programs with the resources and support they need to address the ongoing challenges they face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Send Priorities to Congress for Next COVID-19 Relief Package

April 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent joint letters to the leaders of the House and Senate urging them to consider several key recommendations to include in the next COVID-19 response package that would protect and support senior nutrition programs and the seniors they serve.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Support for Nonprofits Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

April 8, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter from the nonprofit community urging Congress to expand economic relief and support for charitable nonprofits as they consider additional legislation to address COVID-19.

Disability and Aging Collaborative Letter Calling on Congress to Prioritize Seniors and People with Disabilities in the Next COVID-19 Relief Packages

April 2, 2020 | The Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging prioritization of the needs of older adults and people with disabilities as Congress considers a fourth legislative relief package to address COVID-19.  

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Requesting Increased Funding for Falls Prevention

March 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to leaders of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Relate Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for calling for increased federal funding for evidence-based falls prevention programs in Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Enactment of COVID-19 Response Bill with an Additional $500M in Emergency Funds for Senior Nutrition Programs

March 27, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) issued a joint statement following the enactment of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Implementation of Waivers to Ensure Access to Nutrition Assistance Programs

March 25, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Administrator Pamilyn Miller urging swift implementation of waivers to ensure vulnerable individuals and families have access to nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on the 48th Anniversary of the OAA Nutrition Program

March 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement regarding the anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program and calling attention to the vital lifeline it provides.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Calling for Increased Funding for the Social Services Block Grant Program

March 22, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter urging Congress to increase funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) in Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) to respond to the growing needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities amid the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Congress Support People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Response Legislation

March 21, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to Congressional leadership urging support for people with disabilities and their families and ensure their needs are addressed in future legislation to response to the COVID-19 crisis.

$250M in Emergency Funding for Senior Nutrition Programs Signed into Law

March 19, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) issued a joint statement following the enactment of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Urging Support for Nonprofits in COVID-19 Response Legislation

March 18, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined a national sign-on letter to Members of Congress urging support for the charitable sector and to provide nonprofit organizations the resources and relief they need to maintain operations amid the COVID-19 crisis.

LCAO Letter on COVID-19 Issues

March 17, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to Congressional leaders urging them to adopt measures that protect and support the health and economic wellbeing of older adults amid COVID-19 and to take swift action to pass H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Disability and Aging Collaborative Sends Letter to Senate Urging COVID-19 Relief and Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities

March 16, 2020 | The Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to Senate Majority and Minority Leaders urging consideration of recommendations to support seniors and people with disabilities in the next phase of COVID-19 relief legislation.

The Alliance to End Hunger Sends Letter to Agriculture Secretary with Recommendations to Address Poverty and Food Insecurity in COVID-19 Response

March 13, 2020 | The Alliance to End Hunger, of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging the implementation of several key recommendations to address food insecurity in the COVID-19 for vulnerable communities.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Issue Joint Statement on House Passage of COVID-19 Response Bill with $250M in Emergency Funds for Senior Nutrition Programs

March 14, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) issued a joint statement regarding the United States House of Representatives’ passing of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Final Passage of Legislation to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act

March 12, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement regarding Congress’ passage of H.R. 4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Urge Emergency Federal Funding, Guidance and Support to Address the COVID-19 Crisis

March 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to Vice President Pence and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar urging supplemental funding, emergency guidance and support for Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition programs due to the evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Issue Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Need for Supplemental Senior Nutrition Funding and Support

March 9, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint statement regarding the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on the 18th Annual March for Meals Kickoff

March 1, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement to kick off the 18th Annual March for Meals – a month-long awareness campaign to celebrate the power of Meals on Wheels and increase support for America’s seniors.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget

February 10, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement in response to the release of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Budget, A Budget for America’s Future.

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Supporting Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act

February 7, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America joined 127 national organizations in signing onto a letter urging key congressional leaders to support H.R. 4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020.

LCAO Letter of Support for Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize the OAA

February 5, 2020 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter of support to Congress for H.R. 4334, the Supporting the Older Americans Act of 2020 – a bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – and urging its swift passage in the House and Senate.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Congress Reaching a Bipartisan Compromise Bill to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act

January 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement in response to a compromise Older Americans Act (OAA) reauthorization bill that was reached between the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives – H.R. 4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Letter of Support for Compromise Bill to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act to Key Senate Leaders

January 30, 2020 | Meals on Wheels America sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and Senate Special Committee on Aging expressing support for H.R. 4334, the Supporting the Older Americans Act of 2020 – a bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Critical Funding Increases Passed into Law for Federal Programs Supporting Meals on Wheels

December 20, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement following the enactment of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, to fund federal programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.

Meals on Wheels America Opposes HHS Proposed Rule on Nondiscrimination Laws

December 19, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted comments opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Proposed Rule to Align Grants Regulation with New Legislation, Nondiscrimination Laws, and Supreme Court Decisions.

LCAO Submits Comments on HHS Proposed Rule on Nondiscrimination Laws

December 19, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Proposed Rule to Align Grants Regulation with New Legislation, Nondiscrimination Laws, and Supreme Court Decisions.

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Bipartisan OAA Reauthorization Bill Introduced in the Senate

December 16, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America issued a statement following the introduction of legislation that supports the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) – S. 3057, the Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments – in the United States Senate.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Letter of Support for OAA Reauthorization Legislation Introduced in the Senate

December 16, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and Senate Special Committee on Aging expressing support for S. 3057, Modernization of the Older Americans Act Amendments – a bill introduced in Committee to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA).

Meals on Wheels America Signs onto National Letter Supporting Provisions to Protect Medicare and Medicaid Programs

December 16, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America joined 72 national organizations in signing onto a letter urging congressional leaders to include provisions to extend several key Medicare and Medicaid programs benefiting seniors and low-income individuals in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 spending legislation.

LCAO Sends Letter Opposing Legislation Introduced in the Senate to Reform the Federal Budget Process

December 16, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) letter to Senate leaders opposing S. 2765, the Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act – a bill that would enact an automatic budget reconciliation process.

Meals on Wheels Signs onto National Letter Supporting Permanent Extension of Important HCBS Medicaid Programs

December 15, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter to congressional leaders urging the passage of a permanent extension of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program and Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Spousal Impoverishment Protections.

Meals on Wheels America Opposes USDA Proposed Rule to Reduce SNAP Benefits by Standardization of State Utility Allowances

November 22, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted comments opposing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule that would greatly reduce the monthly benefits for households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by eliminating existing state flexibility to set Standard Utility Allowances (SUA).

Meals on Wheels Signs onto National Letter Opposing Sale of Public Interest Registry

November 22, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a national letter to the Internet Society opposing to the sale of Public Interest Registry (PIR), which manages the .ORG domain, to a private equity firm.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Ways & Means

November 14, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways & Means for a hearing entitled, "Caring for Aging Americans."

Meals on Wheels America Issues Statement on Proposed HHS Rule on Nondiscrimination Laws

November 2, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America Board of Directors and President & CEO Ellie Hollander issued a statement following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Proposed Rule to Align Grants Regulation with New Legislation, Nondiscrimination Laws, and Supreme Court Decisions.

Meals on Wheels Signs Onto National Letter Supporting Advancement of OAA Reauthorization Legislation

November 5, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America joined more than 100 national organizations in signing onto a letter to Congressional leaders expressing support for House-passed legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 (H.R. 4334) – and urging the Senate to advance critical priorities included in the legislation.

LCAO Letter of Support for Dignity in Aging Act of 2019

October 28, 2019 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to leaders of the House of Representatives urging their support for and passage of legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 (H.R. 4334).

Meals on Wheels America Sends Letter of Support for Dignity in Aging Act of 2019

October 28, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America sent a letter to House leaders expressing support for legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 (H.R. 4334) – and urging its full passage by the House of Representatives.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to Senate Special Committee on Aging

October 16, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "Falls Prevention: National, State, and Local Solutions to Better Support Seniors."

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to Senate Special Committee on Aging

September 25, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "Promoting Healthy Aging: Living Your Best Life Long Into Your Golden Years."

Meals on Wheels America Opposes USDA Proposed Rule to Limit SNAP Eligibility through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility

September 23, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted comments opposing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule to restrict eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by making changes to broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) policy.

LCAO Submits Comments on Proposed Rulemaking to Restrict Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility for SNAP Benefits

September 23, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America signed onto a Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule to restrict eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by making changes to broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) policy.

LCAO Letter of Support for Dignity in Aging Act of 2019

September 18, 2019 | The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), of which Meals on Wheels America is a member, sent a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Education & Labor expressing support for the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 (H.R. 4334) – a bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) – and urging its passage in the Committee.

Meals on Wheels America Sends Letter of Support for OAA Reauthorization Legislation Introduced in the House

September 17, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America sent a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Education & Labor and Subcommittee on Civil Rights & Human Services expressing support for the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019 (H.R. 4334) – a bill introduced in Committee to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA).

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Letter to Leaders of Senate Appropriations Committee

September 6, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies calling on them to fund the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program at $1 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.

Senate FY20 Appropriations Testimony

June 3, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.

Meals on Wheels Program Testifies Before House Education & Labor Subcommittee on Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

May 15, 2019 | Stephanie Archer-Smith, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, a Meals on Wheels America member, delivered written and oral testimony before the House Education & Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights & Humans Services for a hearing titled, “Examining the Older Americans Act: Promoting Independence and Dignity for Older Adults.”

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging

May 8, 2019 | Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, “The Older Americans Act: Protecting and Supporting Seniors as they Age.”

House FY20 Appropriations Testimony

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year 2020.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on Proposed Rulemaking on SNAP Requirements and Services for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments opposing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rulemaking on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements and services for able-bodied adults without dependents.

The Wheels for Meal Delivering Service in Medicare Advantage

Meals on Wheels America Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Lucy Theilheimer contributed a blog post to Better Medicare Alliance discussing how community-based programs like Meals on Wheels and the healthcare sector can work together to address food insecurity and social isolation.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Public Comments to CMS Regarding 2020 MA Advance Notice and Draft Call Letter

On March 1, Meals on Wheels America submitted public comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2020 Medicare Advantage (MA) Advance Notice and Draft Call Letter and changes to new special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill in MA plans. Notably, the proposed changes within the Call Letter would allow for expanded coverage of home-delivered meals for individuals with chronic conditions beyond the limited post-discharge meal benefits that can be covered currently and remains a key policy priority for which we will continue to advocate.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Urging Congress to Protect and Maintain the Johnson Amendment

Meals on Wheels America joined other charitable nonprofits, houses of worship and foundations in signing a letter to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee urging them to protect and maintain the Johnson Amendment, the longstanding tax law provision.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Urging Senate Special Committee on Aging to Call Attention to Falls Prevention

Meals on Wheels America signed onto a letter led by the Bipartisan Policy Center urging the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging to hold a hearing on the critical issue of falls prevention.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on Proposed Rulemaking

Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement regarding inadmissability on the public charge grounds proposed rule.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to Senate Special Committee on Aging

Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "Patient-Focused Care: A Prescription to Reduce Health Care Costs."

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Calling on Farm Bill Conferees to Protect and Strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Meals on Wheels America joined more than 120 organizations in a letter calling on the Farm Bill Conferees to protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by rejecting any cuts to SNAP, adopting the Senate Farm Bill SNAP provisions in the conference agreement on the Farm Bill and considering ways to improve SNAP benefit adequacy.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Call on Congress to Adopt $10 Million Funding Increase Following Conference Committee Agreement

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato issued a joint statement in response to the House and Senate Conference Committee Report on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Call On Conference Committee To Increase Funding For Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in FY 2019

Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to the House and Senate Conference Committee calling for a $100 million increase over FY 2018 funding levels for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program. Read the House letter here and Senate letter here.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Calling on Farm Bill Conferees to Protect and Strengthen Nutrition Assistance Programs

Meals on Wheels America joined 30+ national organizations in a letter calling on the Farm Bill Conferees and House and Senate leadership to work in a bipartisan manner to protect and strengthen nutrition assistance programs in any final agreement.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Urging Appropriators to Protect and Increase Funding in FY 2019

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) – of which Meals on Wheels America is a member – sent this letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging Congress to protect and increase funding for federal programs that serve older adults in any final FY 2019 appropriations bill, and adhere to the non-defense discretionary budget caps that were raised as part of the two-year 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act.

Senate FY19 Appropriations Testimony

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year 2019.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Call On Congress To Increase Funding For Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in FY 2019

Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a joint letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for a $100 million increase over FY 2018 funding levels for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program. Read the House letter here and Senate letter here.

House FY19 Appropriations Testimony

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year 2019.

Meals on Wheels America Calls on Congress to Protect Our Nation's Largest Anti-Hunger Safety Net

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued this statement in response to the passage of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) by the House Agriculture Committee.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Calling on House Committee on Agriculture to Oppose Proposed Changes in Farm Bill

Meals on Wheels America joined 35 national organizations in sending a letter calling on the House Committee on Agriculture to oppose proposals to restrict eligibility, reduce benefits, cap or cut funding, or make harmful structural changes in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Thank Congress for OAA Nutrition Program Funding Increases in FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent letters to leaders in the House and Senate to thank them for providing the $59 million increase for Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Programs in the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Read the letter to leadership here, the House Appropriations Committee here and the Senate Appropriations Committee here.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments to CMS on the Implementing the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans Provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on implementing the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law No. 115-123). The comments urge CMS to fully consider social determinants of health and the unique needs of individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid who struggle with hunger, isolation and poverty.

More Than 100 U.S. Representatives Sign Letter Supporting Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in FY 2019

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued this statement in response to a recent Dear Colleague letter urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding for Older Americans Act programs – like Meals on Wheels – in Fiscal Year 2019.

Senior Nutrition Leaders Commend Congress For Much Needed Funding Increases In Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Bill

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) Executive Director Bob Blancato released a joint press statement following the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to fund federal programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments to CMS on the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year 2019 and 2019 Draft Call Letter

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2019 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D Payment Policies and 2019 draft Call Letter (CMS-2017-0163). The comments urge CMS to more comprehensively consider nutrition services within expanded MA Supplemental Benefits to address the unique needs of the millions of homebound seniors and disabled Americans who struggle with hunger, isolation and poverty.

Meals on Wheels America and NANASP Call On Congress To Increase Funding For Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs

Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to urge support for a $150 million increase for Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Programs in any final FY 2018 appropriations agreement. 

Meals on Wheels America Statement on the President's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued this statement in response to the release of the President’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget.

Meals on Wheels America Applauds Bipartisan Budget Deal, Urges Congress to Address Unmet Need

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued this statement in response to passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018.

Meals on Wheels America Signs Onto Letter Calling for Permanent Reauthorization for MA Special Needs Plan Program

Meals on Wheels America signed onto this letter urging congressional leadership to include the Medicare Extenders package – and specifically the permanent reauthorization for the Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan program – in any continuing resolution passed on February 8.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments to CMS on Contract Year 2019 Policy and Technical Changes

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Contract Year 2019 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plan, Medicare Fee-for-Service, the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs and the PACE Program Proposed Rule (CMS-4181-P). The comments urge CMS to consider social determinants of health, specifically nutrition services, and the unique needs of the millions of homebound seniors and disabled Americans who struggle with hunger, isolation and poverty in any future policy and technical changes.

Government Shutdown Poses Serious Threat to 5,000 Meals on Wheels Programs Nationwide

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander today issued this statement regarding the possibility of a Federal Government shutdown.

Meals on Wheels America Calls on Congress to Reach Bipartisan Budget Agreement

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander released this statement following passage of H.R. 1370, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2018.

Meals on Wheels America Statement on Passage of Stopgap Spending Bill Funding Government Until December 22

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander released this statement following passage of H.J. Res. 123, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2018.

100+ National Organizations Sign On to Letter to Congress

More than 100 other national organizations signed on to this letter urging Congress to tackle must-pass legislative priorities – such as disaster relief, funding children's health insurance and lifting the sequester spending caps – before adjourning for the holidays.

Meals on Wheels America Urges Lawmakers to Slow Tax Overhaul Process, Get It Right And Do No Harm to Our Most Vulnerable Seniors

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander released this statement regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts independently passed by the Senate and House.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on Future of CMS Innovation Center

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma on the future direction of the CMS Innovation Center. The comments contain ideas on how to improve overall quality of care and outcomes, in addition to reducing costs.

Organizations Within Aging Network Send Letter to Leaders of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education

A group of organizations that serve and advocate for older Americans sent leaders of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education a letter urging them to maintain funding for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at no less than $400 million for Fiscal Year 2018.

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Letters to Leaders of House and Senate Appropriations Committees, & Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, and Related Agencies

Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, and Related Agencies urging them to fund Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Programs at a total level of $874.6 million and protect the Social Services, Community Development and Community Services Block Grants as the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill is finalized for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018.

Meals on Wheels America Commends Introduction of Nourishing Our Golden Years Act

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander released this statement following the introduction of the Nourishing Our Golden Years Act – legislation that aims to streamline the application processes for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Leadership Council on Aging Organizations Chair Statement on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Read a statement from the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) chair about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Coalition of Organizations Sends Letter to Senate Special Committee on Aging Leadership

A group of organizations sent leaders of the Senate Special Committee on Aging a letter expressing support for recently introduced legislation, the Nourishing our Golden Years Act.

Coalition of Organizations Sends Letter to House Leaders

A group of organizations sent House leadership a letter in support of the "Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act." 

Meals on Wheels America Submits Comments on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2018-2022.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to Senate Special Committee on Aging

Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "Nourishing our Golden Years: How Proper and Adequate Nutrition Promotes Healthy Aging and Positive Outcomes."

Leadership Council of Aging Organizations Sends Letter to Leaders of House and Senate Appropriations Committees

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) sent leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a letter urging them to prioritize investments in programs that enhance the dignity, health and independence of older adults as the Fiscal Year 2018 Labor-HHS appropriations bill is finalized, and to reject cuts to key aging services programs.

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Joint Letter to Leaders of Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) submitted a joint letter of support to Leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for Lance Robertson for the Assistant Secretary for Aging position in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Senate FY18 Appropriations Testimony

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year 2018.

Meals on Wheels America & NANASP Send Letters to Leaders of House and Senate Appropriations Committees, & Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, and Related Agencies

Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) sent letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, and Related Agencies urging them to fund Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Programs at a total level of $874.6 million and protect the Community Development, Community Services and Social Services Block Grants as the Fiscal Year 2018 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill is considered.

Meals on Wheels America Statement on the President's Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Read our statement on the President's Fiscal Year 2018 Budget here.

Meals on Wheels America Submits Statement for the Record to Senate Special Committee on Aging

Meals on Wheels America submitted a statement for the record to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing entitled, "On Aging Without Community: The Consequences of Isolation and Loneliness."

Meals on Wheels America Commends Passage of FY17 Omnibus Spending Bill; Calls for Increases in FY18

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander released this statement following the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to fund government programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2017.

Leadership Council of Aging Organizations Sends Letter to Leaders of House and Senate Appropriations Committees

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) sent leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a letter urging them to prioritize investments in programs that enhance the dignity, health and independence of older adults as the Fiscal Year 2017 Labor-HHS appropriations bill is finalized, and to reject cuts to key aging services programs.

Letter to Administrator Seema Veerma in Response to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Information Request

Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander sent a letter to U.S. Administrator Seema Verma in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) request for information on changes to better accomplish the goals of transparency, flexibility, program simplification and innovation to transform the Medicare Advantage program.

Bipartisan Appropriations Letters in House of Representatives

Each March, Members of Congress send their annual funding requests to leaders of the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Recently, two bipartisan letters circulated in the House of Representatives that called for protecting and increasing funding to support senior nutrition programs nationwide. The first letter, which was led by Representatives James McGovern (D-MA), Robert Brady (D-PA), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Peter King (R-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Gregory Meeks (D-NY) regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and garnered 168 signatures. The second letter, which was led by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) called for increased funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III Programs and received 83 bipartisan signatures.

Bipartisan Deliver Act Reintroduced to Support Meals on Wheels Volunteers With An Increase In The Charitable Mileage Rate

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander issued a statement in response to the introduction in the Senate of a bipartisan bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the standard charitable mileage rate for delivery of meals to elderly, disabled, frail and at risk individuals, as well as a statement in response to the reintroduction of the companion bill in the House.

March 2017 Letter to Director Mick Mulvaney - Meals on Wheels Is Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander sent a letter to Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sign This Petition to The President and Congress In Support Of Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels America circulated a petition urging the President and Congress to protect critical federal funding for Meals on Wheels programs.

March 2017 Statement Clarifying Federal Funding to Meals on Wheels

Read our statement clarifying funding to Meals on Wheels here.

March 2017 Meals on Wheels America Statement on Budget Blueprint

Read our statement on the President's Budget Blueprint here.

House FY18 Appropriations Testimony

Meals on Wheels America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander, provided written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies urging increased funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Fiscal Year 2018.

Coalition of Organizations Sends Letter to Leaders of House and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees

A group of organizations, representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, local government, labor and related sectors, sent leaders of the House and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees a letter urging Congress to reject calls for additional cuts to policies within the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry or the House Committee on Agriculture.

Leadership Council on Aging Organizations Sends Letter to President-Elect Trump

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) sent President-Elect Trump a letter along with comments and recommendations to urge the new Administration to prioritize issues such as health and long-term services and supports, community services, and retirement security.

National Anti-Hunger Organizations (NAHO) Release Statement

The National Anti-Hunger Organizations (NAHO) released a statement to inform the next Congress and Administration about federal nutrition programs and the millions of vulnerable people they help to serve and support. NAHO is comprised of 12 national organizations, which includes Meals on Wheels America. 

Comments to the US House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture

Meals on Wheels America submitted comments to the US House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture regarding the hearing series Past, Present, and Future of SNAP. 

Joint Letter from Meals on Wheels America and NANASP

We partnered with NANASP to send another letter to Congress urging the House and Senate to support an increase of $13.8 million for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs.

Leadership Council of Aging Organizations Sends FY17 Appropriations Letter

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) came together to send a letter to key appropriations leaders urging them to increase funding for Older Americans Act programs in Fiscal Year 2017.