The Meals on Wheels network is comprised of approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Here's a look at what the Meals on Wheels network provides:
View the full snapshot HERE.
Meals on Wheels is an evidence-based public-private partnership that effectively addresses the issues of senior hunger and isolation while providing a proven significant return on investment in the form of health care savings.
View the full snapshot HERE.
Check out this fact sheet presenting the most recent data for older adults living in the U.S. and senior nutrition programs receiving federal funding through the Older Americans Act (OAA) in the U.S (like Meals on Wheels!). (Updated April 2026)
Key Findings
Total population of adults age 60+: 82,481,715 (24.3%)
Seniors living alone: 19,740,216 (25.3%)
Seniors age 65+ who lack income to pay for basic living needs: Singles: 53% • Couples: 25%
Seniors reporting “fair” to “poor” health: 25.3%
Seniors experiencing limited or uncertain access to adequate food (marginally food secure)**: 13,718,516 (16.8%)
Check out this fact sheet presenting the most recent data for older adults living in New Jersey, and senior nutrition programs receiving federal funding through the Older Americans Act (OAA) in New Jersey - including Meals on Wheels. (Updated April 2026)
Key Findings
Total population of adults age 60+: 2,331,254 (24.6%)
Seniors living alone: 524,266 (23.9%)
Seniors age 65+ who lack income to pay for basic living needs: Singles: 53% • Couples: 23%
Seniors reporting “fair” to “poor” health: 21.6%
Seniors experiencing limited or uncertain access to adequate food (marginally food secure)**: 326,081 (13.6%)
Pets provide seniors with invaluable companionship. However, many older adults struggle to care for their furry friends due to limited finances, physical limitations and other challenges. Fortunately, some Meals on Wheels affiliates (like Meals on Wheels of Mercer County!) keep participants and their animal companions together by delivering pet food. View the full fact sheet HERE.
THE CASE FOR MEALS ON WHEELS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED SOLUTION TO SENIOR HUNGER AND ISOLATION
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 2023
This comprehensive review of 38 studies establishes Meals on Wheels as an evidence-supported, cost-effective solution.
The extensive body of research consistently demonstrates the efficacy of Meals on Wheels in reducing health care utilization, preventing nursing home admissions and generating substantial health care cost savings.
These remarkable outcomes are attributed to the profound impact of Meals on Wheels on critical aspects of older adults’ well-being, including food security, diet quality, nutritional status, social isolation, loneliness and falls/home safety - factors that significantly contribute to health care costs.
By fostering social connections, providing safety checks and delivering nutritious meals, Meals on Wheels supports older adults to maintain their health, independence and ability to age in their own homes and communities.
8 PRIMARY FINDINGS:
Estimated Impact Of Medically Tailored Meals On Health Care Use And Expenditures In 50 US States
Click HERE to read the latest study from
The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University (published April 2025)
The Senior Report present a comprehensive overview of the health and well-being of the nation’s older adults. This 2025 Senior Report highlights encouraging progress in reducing early death rates and strengthening social connectedness among older adults; however, mental and behavioral health challenges continue to persist.
Read the full report here & the snapshot of New Jersey here.
Click HERE to read the latest report from the Food Resource & Action Center! (published July 2024)
(look for Meals on Wheels - mentioned on page 12!)
Click HERE to read the 2023 Profile of Older Americans from the Administration on Aging (AoA). (published May 2024)