Ask the Legislature to continue funding for Meals for Veterans

Last year, Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs served nearly 1.7 million meals to 9,844 individuals. Included in that number were more than 200 veterans in the Twin Cities served through the Meals for Veterans program approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023.

Many veterans don’t meet the age, income or disability criteria that would help them cover the cost of meals and this program has provided access to healthy food and a social connection. Continued funding for this program will ensure veterans at risk of food insecurity and social isolation can receive meals. Funding for this program expires June 30 and we are asking the Legislature to renew funding to continue this service for veterans.

Meals for Veterans bills would provide $995,540 in renewed funding over the next two fiscal years to serve Meals on Wheels to veterans of any age in the Metro Meals on Wheels service area.

Benefits of the Meals for Veterans program

The Meals for Veterans program goes beyond just helping veterans with meals. We work closely with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to serve veterans who are specifically at risk of homelessness and social isolation.

Veterans also serve as volunteers to deliver meals to other veterans when possible. As Rudy, a veteran in Bloomington puts it: “For me, it’s not so much a safety net as a lifeline. When the volunteers come, it’s just nice to touch base with another human, who may be a fellow veteran, and chat for a couple minutes.”

How you can advocate for Meals for Veterans

Tell your state senator and state representative to support the Meals for Veterans program. Saib seb leej twg sawv cev rau koj ntawm no.