Peggy's Story: Advocating for Meals on Wheels
BY AYLIN ISMAYILOVA
Washington is cutting down on costs and seniors are the ones to pay the price.
Budget negotiations have been underway in Washington, and Meals on Wheels organizations around the country are at risk of losing essential funding for their services. With rising costs and inadequate funding through the Older Americans Act, the proposed cuts to the Social Services Block Grant program (SSBG), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid could severely impact 2.2 millions older adults in the U.S.— and the near 600 participants MOWMC serves.
"You’ve made it clear you’re not stopping funds that go directly to individuals, but there certainly are lots of organizations that receive funding and then may pass along a benefit— Meals on Wheels, for one. They provide meals for over 2.2 million seniors," a reporter had asked Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
For Peggy Nicol, a MOWMC participant, it was a shock to hear Meals on Wheels mentioned in the news, but she was happy that concerns were raised by the media, signifying the importance of the program as so many individuals heavily depend on it.
"I'm really happy the government is paying attention to it and I mention it (Meals on Wheels) all the time. I even called Andy Kim. I would call Cory Booker. I would call lots of senators and representatives," Peggy reflected.
An outspoken individual, Peggy has been a volunteer and advocate her whole life. Besides from her career as a medical technologist, she has also been involved with the American Cancer Society since she received her breast cancer diagnosis in 1996. There, she served 20 years on the board, while also dedicating her time to senior groups and women's groups.
Older adults like Peggy rely on the services that MOWMC provide. Last year, the organization served over 95,000 meals, and that number is only growing. Participants receive a healthy, nutritious meal from a friendly volunteer up to five days a week, and that's not something they're ready to give up.
"When I get my little bag of milk, fruit, vegetables and a sandwich everyday— I'm in heaven, absolutely heaven," she noted. "Especially all the little extras that come along with it. The little placemats, the little notes, the little nutrition comments for better health; all the extras that come with the holidays are absolutely incredible."
Peggy wishes she could be out in the community, but lingering health issues from COVID keep her home. Still, she stays active by making phone calls and writing letters to public officials, advocating for seniors and highlighting the importance of programs like Meals on Wheels.
When asked what people in Mercer County can do to combat the threats to federal funding, she expressed that any amount donated is worth it as it allows participants on the program to receive all the necessary components to a healthy, nutritious meal.
"People can donate— I can't. I'm on social security and I have a mortgage still, and I'm sure a lot of seniors are going through the same thing," she urged.
Like many MOWMC participants, Peggy is worried that funding will get cut, and if that happens, everyone would have to get creative. However, she will continue fighting, she said, and she will continue to make her voice heard in New Jersey.