The Issues
Older adults need your help
One in two older adults is at risk for malnutrition (Defeat Malnutrition Today) and many lack access to transportation for crucial appointments and connections. Support services can make the difference between older adults living independently and safely in their homes and needing more expensive institutional care.
The Senior Meals & Services Coalition is asking the Minnesota Legislature for the following support for older adults in the 2026 session:
- Clear policy language that increases efficiency in nutrition service delivery and provides flexibility for innovation.
- An increase of $11 million in base funding for senior meals to meet the growing need of our aging population.
Lowering future government costs
According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, annual government payments for long-term services and supports for older adults are projected to grow 71% from 2023-2035.
The services and support provided through the aging network — a national network of federal, state, tribal and local agencies — are some of the most cost-effective ways to support older adults.
Services such as home-delivered or group meals, assisted transportation and chore services are delivered in the home or the community at a fraction of the cost of institutional care. The services are targeted to frail older adults with low incomes or living in rural areas, often both.
SENIOR MEALS
Meal providers cannot keep up with demand
Lack of nutritious food has a direct impact on people’s health. Providers cannot meet the need for food for frail older adults with the current level of funding.
Older adults are particularly at risk because of:
- Fixed incomes
- The rising cost of living
- Stigma associated with accepting help
- Lack of transportation
- Disabilities that limit functioning or require special diets
Community organizations that provide home-delivered (often Meals on Wheels) and group meals juggle high food costs and increased demand with too few dollars. The Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging projects that 451,000 fewer meals will be available to older adults in 2026 than in 2025, resulting in a loss of service to 6,100 seniors. As the aging population grows, the shortfall will reach catastrophic levels.
Good health requires healthy food
Access to healthy food is key to good health (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2018). Poor nutrition is associated with obesity, chronic diseases and increased stress. It erodes the quality of life for older adults, increases healthcare costs, and makes it more likely that an individual will need higher-cost government support.
In 2023, the legislature passed and Governor Walz signed into law a one-time appropriation of $11 million for senior meals. This funding filled a critical gap for senior meals.
Ongoing appropriation and flexibility needed
Now, the Senior Meals & Services Coalition is asking the legislature to modernize language in the senior nutrition statute to increase efficiency and allow innovation in the delivery of nutritious food. We continue to advocate for an increased appropriation of $11 million per biennium for senior meals.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is essential to well-being
On average, people stop driving at age 75 (AARP). Many older adults need transportation options to get to doctors’ appointments, grocery shop and stay connected with friends and family. Without transportation, older adults are at risk for social isolation, hurting physical and mental health. Transportation services have historically been in short supply across the state, and the need is growing.
Rural Minnesotans at greatest risk
Rural Minnesotans face unique transportation-related challenges, including limited availability of public transportation, longer distances to medical care and other resources, and few options for moving closer to services. In addition, a lack of reliable internet limits the use of medical visits by video.
Additional funding is needed
Through funding from the Older Americans Act, the aging network currently supports more than 80,000 rides each year (Minnesota Board on Aging). Additional funding is needed for:
- Vehicles for rides for seniors
- Public transit subsidies (for buses, light rail, cabs, Uber/Lyft)
- Volunteer driver programs
- Assisted transportation
Some people need more than just a ride. With assisted transportation, a driver helps people get from their home to a vehicle and back safely into their home after a trip. This service can also include an escort to stay with the individual throughout the trip.
SUPPORT SERVICES
An extra hand can make a big difference
For aging adults who have become frail, even small tasks can become difficult. While the population of older adults is growing at an increasing pace, the number of family caregivers is declining. Homemaker and chore services can provide essential support that helps seniors maintain their dignity, health and independence.
Homemaker assistance
Homemaker services include cooking, cleaning, laundry, mending and other light household chores. An individual may need temporary assistance due to illness or long-term assistance due to chronic disabling conditions.
Chore services
Chore services help with activities such as heavy housework, yard work and sidewalk maintenances.
