Five Years Later: The Pandemic’s Lasting Effects on Senior Hunger

Last year, Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs served nearly 1.7 million meals to 9,844 people in our community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Meals on Wheels donors and volunteers, our local network has been able to serve a growing number of older adults over the past five years.

While the pandemic triggered an immediate surge in demand for meals, other factors have driven more older adults to reach out for help with meals in recent years. The Age Wave driven by the Baby Boomer generation is cresting, while economic challenges like inflation continue to strain seniors’ resources.

Groceries cost 28% more at the end of 2024 than they did at the end of 2019, according to a report recently shared by The Food Group using data from the U.S. Federal Reserve. For older adults on fixed incomes, this sharp rise presents a significant strain on household budgets.

The Food Group also noted a sharp increase in food shelf visits by Minnesotans in the same report. In 2024, Minnesotans visited food shelves 2.5 times more frequently than in 2019. Last years, seniors accounted for 977,602 visits to food shelves, an all-time high.

Our programs are now serving 60% more meals than five years ago. Until recently, we’ve been able to meet the needs of everyone who reached out. However, due to ongoing high demand and limited resources, some program sites have had to implement waitlists.

Reductions and Threats to Governments Support

In addition to economic factors straining seniors’ food budgets, key funding sources that provide food support have been reduced or are under threat.

• Federal funding through the Older Americans Act (OAA) that helps pay for meals for adults over 60 was reduced to pre-pandemic levels beginning in 2025. The OAA is currently awaiting reauthorization by Congress, leaving vital programs for older adults in a state of uncertainty.
• The expiration of pandemic emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2023 left the average Minnesota recipient with $100 less in monthly food assistance. SNAP benefits help stretch food budgets for those we serve and can be used to pay for Meals on Wheels.
• Proposed cuts to Medicaid at the federal level could reduce access to waiver programs that are widely used by older adults and people with disabilities to help cover the cost of Meals on Wheels.

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Many vulnerable seniors in our community don’t qualify for assistance, and with limited funding sources, individual support is crucial to ensuring all older adults in need receive meals. Our community’s generosity over the past five years has been remarkable, and we remain hopeful that this support will continue—so no neighbor is left waiting for the nourishment they need.

You can help by pub dawb to help Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs feed as many of our neighbors as possible. Volunteering to deliver meals is another great way you can help ensure your local Meals on Wheels program can continuing serving everyone in need.