Findings From New Study Reinforce That Home-Delivered Meals Provide Critical Health and Social Benefits to Older Adults and Caregivers

Study Results Underscore the Urgent Need for Greater Investment in the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Meals on Wheels America, in partnership with Brown University School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, today announced findings from a new study published in JAMA Network Open and funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The study shows that home-delivered meals funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program not only reduce hunger and malnutrition among older adults, but also provide significant health, social and financial benefits to both recipients and their caregivers.

Researchers from Brown University and Johns Hopkins School of Nursing conducted in-depth interviews with 54 older adults across five states as part of the Deliver-EE national clinical trial. Participants reported that home-delivered meals:

• Reduced hunger and food insecurity by providing consistent access to nutritious meals
• Fostered meaningful social connections with delivery persons, helping to combat loneliness
• Improved physical and emotional well-being, supported independence and helped older adults remain in their homes
• Relieved stress and financial strain on family caregivers, giving them more time for their own health and well-being

"The findings from the 'Home-Delivered Nutrition Services for Older Adults Under the Older Americans Act' (OAA) study reinforce what Meals on Wheels providers have known for decades: the meal itself opens the door to much more; a service that includes a friendly visit, a health and safety check, and social connection. Home-delivered meals are far more than just a meal – they are a lifeline," said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. "At a time when loneliness is recognized as an epidemic, demand for services is rising and funding is falling short, we cannot afford to overlook our nation's most vulnerable seniors. Congress must ensure the OAA has the resources needed to properly support Older Americans in need so they're not left behind, hungry and alone."

Despite serving over 2 million older adults annually, 1 in 3 local Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist with seniors waiting on average four months for vital meals and connection. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 86% of low-income, food-insecure older adults do not receive home-delivered meals. Without additional investment, unmet needs will continue to grow as the aging population increases.

Kali Thomas, study lead and professor in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing added: "Our analysis of interviews with meal recipients show that home-delivered meals generate health, social, and economic benefits. These findings highlight that investing in home-delivered meal programs provides meaningful returns for both older adults and their caregivers."

The full article, Home-Delivered Nutrition Services for Older Adults Under the Older Americans Act, is available online at JAMA Network Open. 

It's time to stop leaving seniors behind. Older Americans are depending on all of us to speak out and demand action so they can access the resources they desperately need. Meals on Wheels America urges everyone to contact their members of Congress today. For additional information on Meals on Wheels America, head to www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

SOURCE Meals on Wheels America