(WNY News Now) In response to the rising cost of food, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for almost $2 billion in funding to increase nutrition services for senior citizens.
Washington, D.C.In a webcast press conference, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demanded $1.842 billion for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-C Nutrition Program, which offers senior citizens affordable meals. In light of rising grocery prices, the money will help meet the growing demand for nutrition programs by delivering 251 million wholesome meals to 2.2 million older individuals who are hungry nationwide. In a bicameral letter, Senator Gillibrand urged appropriators and congressional leadership to include this funding in the FY25 government funding plan.
According to Senator Gillibrand, inexpensive meal delivery services are a lifeline for senior citizens, particularly given the high cost of food.Nutrition programs guarantee that seniors with disabilities do not go hungry because they are unable to get to the grocery store, give homebound seniors much-needed social interaction, and assist seniors on fixed incomes access wholesome food that they might not otherwise be able to purchase. For this reason, I’m requesting $1.842 billion to support these initiatives, which enable our elderly citizens to age in their homes with dignity and in good health.
Meals on Wheels and other groups that provide seniors in need with wholesome food are made possible by senior nutrition initiatives. They are linked to a number of beneficial effects, such as a decrease in social isolation, food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition, and medical expenses.
The complete text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to Senate and House appropriators can be found below or here:
To Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, Vice Chair Collins, and Chair Murray:
We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of the Committee in supporting the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III-C Nutrition Program with resources.
We implore you to maintain adequate funding for the OAA Title III-C Nutrition Program as you review the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. 2.2 million older persons who are hungry and lonely can receive 251 million wholesome meals a year thanks to this assistance. We seek at least $1.842 billion for the OAA Title III-C Nutrition Services program to continue implementing critical nutrition programs that promote the health and wellness of our nation’s most vulnerable older adults in order to meet these needs and address the growing demand and increased costs for food and program operations that have led to substantial waitlists at many programs nationwide. Historically, both parties have supported this initiative.
The OAA Nutrition Program has been effectively achieving its goals since 1972, which include promoting older adults’ socializing, lowering their rates of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and improving their health and general well-being. Title III-C Nutrition Programs enable older persons to age in the safety and dignity of their own homes by delivering wholesome meals and social interaction in communal locations, such senior centers, or straight to their homes. Additionally, these nutrition programs lower expensive medical costs associated with avoidable hospital stays and early placements in nursing homes. In a nutshell, this successful community-based, federally funded initiative lowers healthcare costs while simultaneously enhancing elder health, safety, social interaction, and more.
Americans 65 and older are becoming more prevalent. One in four Americans are over 60 at the moment, and 12,000 more reach that age every day. It is anticipated that there would be 91 million older adults by 2030, and 112 million by 2060. As the number of older adults continues to rise, there will likely be a greater need for OAA services in the upcoming years.
For a long time, elderly individuals have struggled with food insecurity. Food insecurity affected at least 7 million older Americans in 2022. According to the National Council on Aging, older Americans who are Black, Hispanic, or Native American, have a disability, or have lower incomes are more likely to experience hunger. Food insecurity has an impact on mental health as well; among older persons who experience food insecurity, 24% report having fair or poor mental health, compared to 5% who do not.
Over 17 million older persons have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, indicating that economic uncertainty is common among this demographic. Due to their financial dependence on fixed incomes, older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and underserved—are more susceptible to rising food prices. The all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 20.4% overall, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This was more than the all-items CPI, which increased by only 16.5%. Compared to 2023, these costs increased by 2.3% in 2024. Nutrition delivery services, which would require an estimated $32 million in government funds only to offset FY25 inflation, are impacted by rising food costs. In order to pay for medical care, almost one in four older persons (65 and over) already cut back on clothing, utilities, food, or prescription drugs. Because of their reduced mobility, restricted capacity for cooking and shopping, and health issues, older individuals are particularly affected by economic and food insecurity in the face of rising food prices.
It has been demonstrated that services offered under the OAA Title III-C Nutrition Program enhance older individuals’ physical and mental health results. A Meals on Wheels America survey, for instance, demonstrates that among individuals who have meals delivered every day, malnourishment and feelings of social isolation improve. Regular mealtimes help older persons feel safer at home. Additionally, this study shows a significant decrease in hospitalizations during the three months prior to and following participation. Those living alone who receive daily meal delivery reported much less social isolation.
Wheeled Meals America observes that for many of us, a knock on the door may not seem like a big deal. However, it can also mark the entrance of the only person a homebound senior may see during the day or week. It instills hope. It promotes health. It provides the nourishment and attention that will totally brighten their day. Even lives can be saved by a Meals on Wheels knock.
By lowering premature and expensive Medicare and Medicaid expenditures from needless nursing home placements or hospitalizations due to poor nutrition and chronic health conditions, funding the OAA—a program that accounts for only one-hundredth of one percent of the total federal budget—saves taxpayer dollars.
We humbly ask that at least $1.842 billion be allocated for these essential nutrition programs in the FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
Regardless of location or budget, these essential OAA services uphold our country’s commitment to promoting everyone’s right to age with dignity and live freely. Thank you.