How Meals on Wheels is funded in 2025
The delivery of meals to thousands of seniors in the Twin Cities is made possible through a unique mix of government support, grants from charitable foundations, and robust support from individuals in the community. While Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs continue service at a rate that has remained elevated since the Covid-19 Pandemic, funding support from government programs has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Recent cuts enacted by Congress to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will likely cause more seniors to seek help from Meals on Wheels.
Here’s a look at the different government funding sources for Meals on Wheels in the Twin Cities:
Cov kev pab them nqi Medicaid: This program is administered by the state of Minnesota and relies on Medicaid funding from the federal government. It helps connect the most vulnerable adults and people with disabilities with Meals on Wheels.
Tsoomfwv kob nyiaj pab rau cov laus: The federal government provides funding for home-delivered meals through Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition programs. These funds can be used to help cover meal costs for low-income seniors who don’t qualify for a Medicaid waiver. Local Meals on Wheels programs received increased funding through this program during the past few years, but starting Jan. 1, emergency support expired and funding levels are similar to where they were before the pandemic. The OAA still stands as the only national framework comprehensively addressing the social services needs of older adults in the community. The appropriations process for fiscal year 2026 is coming up, and a significant increase in OAA funding is critical to ensure that national aging services can continue to support those in need and meet this rising demand.
Other government funding: The Minnesota Legislature approved continued funding to help connect veterans with Meals on Wheels over the next two years, albeit at half our requested $1 million to help cover the cost of this program. Many Meals on Wheels programs throughout the nation, including some locally, rely on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to help operate their programs. These block grants also fund numerous other programs that help seniors who are living in poverty. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can also be used by seniors to help cover the cost of Meals on Wheels.
Support from individuals is essential
Because there are many vulnerable seniors in our community who do not qualify for waiver programs and other funding sources are limited, support from individuals helps ensure that nobody in need has to wait for a meal. In 2025, that support is even more critical as government funding is lower than in previous years. Additionally, the the massive budget reconciliation package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump (known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) includes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that will likely push more seniors to turn to Meals on Wheels for help.
Here are a few ways you can help ensure that local programs can serve all who are in need:
Pub: From cash donations, to donating stock or vehicles, there are a variety of ways you can donate to support Meals on Wheels in the Twin Cities.
Koom nrog peb ntawm Meals on Heels: A fun way to support your neighbors in need! Our annual party to support Meals on Wheels in the Twin Cities is scheduled for Aug. 7 at Glass House in Minneapolis. Get tickets.
Pab dawb: Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs are always in need of new volunteers to deliver meals. Kawm ntxiv txog kev ua haujlwm pub dawb.
Contact Your Elected Officials and let them know that funding for Meals on Wheels is essential to helping seniors age independently. The approximate cost of Meals on Wheels is $7 per day when the average annual cost of living in a nursing home in Minnesota is $111,000. Ask your U.S. senators and representatives to support increased funding for the Older Americans Act. Saib seb leej twg sawv cev rau koj ntawm no.
Get Meals: Our mission is to serve all who are in need, and if you or a loved one are able to cover the cost of meals, you’re helping someone who’s unable to afford it. Learn more about receiving Meals on Wheels.