Meals on Wheels and the Older Americans Act

In the early 2000s, Meals on Wheels America launched March for Meals, an annual observance (and celebration) of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This act, signed in 1965 by Former President Lyndon B. Johnson, supports a wide range of health and health-related social services programs for older individuals aged 60 or older. [1] You may not know it, but someone in your life could be benefiting from the OAA!

HOW DOES THE OAA HELP?

Here's a brief overview of what the Older Americans Act helps fund[2]:

  • Supportive Services;
  • Home-Delivered Meals and Congregate (think senior centers!) Services;
  • Family Caregiver Support, evidence-based health programs;
  • The long-term care ombudsman program; and
  • Services to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons

All the services the OAA can fund might seem overwhelming, but this quote below from The National Council on Aging sums it up pretty well!

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While Medicare and Medicaid are well-known, the OAA has always worked behind the scenes. It is the quiet backbone of federal aging policy, acting as a hub of funding and guidance that responds to specific aging needs.[3]

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MEALS ON WHEELS AND THE OAA

Every weekday, Meals on Wheels San Antonio delivers nourishing meals to over 4,000 seniors in South Central Texas. Thanks to the OAA, we bring comfort, companionship, and hope through home-delivered and congregate meals across Bexar County.

Meals on Wheels San Antonio receives funding from the OAA through a system where federal funds first go to the state, then are distributed locally to serve seniors most in need. The chart below from Meals on Wheels America shows how this process works. If you'd like more details, click here!

Flow of OAA Nutrition Program

DOES THE OAA ENSURE EVERY SENIOR IS FED AND HEALTHY?

Through the OAA, senior citizens receive more than meals. They gain support and heartfelt care. These lifelines help our neighbors age in the homes they cherish. Dignity, independence, and belonging stay with them. For many, it's more than a meal—it's a reminder that they matter.

However, many seniors still need our support. In Bexar County, seniors face an 8-12 month wait to begin receiving home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels, and only 1% of philanthropic donations support senior causes [4]. Your support can make a difference. Volunteer, advocate, or donate to help ensure no senior in our community is left waiting.

MARCH FOR MEALS

March celebrates the Older Americans Act and progress in senior nutrition, but much work remains. This month, we become Community Champions and invite you to join us for our senior neighbors. Here’s how you can help:

  1. Contact Your Elected Officials: We understand that contacting your elected officials MIGHT seem intimidating, but don’t worry, we’ve got answers to all your questions! Our page includes tips when calling offices and prompts for emails and voicemails. Click here to learn more!
  2. Volunteer to Deliver: Sign up to deliver meals and make an immediate impact for seniors. Meal pickup is available 11:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Click here to volunteer now!
  3. Donate Today: Give now to support senior nutrition! Just $9.50 provides a home-delivered meal. Make a one-time or monthly donation today and help us reach more seniors. Click here to donate!

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Volunteer Today!
Donate Today!