KAFASI Advocated for Older Adults on Capitol Hill to Strengthen Meals on Wheels Funding
In May, Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. (KAFASI) traveled to Washington, D.C., to join Meals on Wheels providers from across the country in advocating for increased federal funding for senior nutrition programs.
As part of Meals on Wheels America’s Advocacy in Action grant program, KAFASI met with congressional offices on Capitol Hill to encourage lawmakers to strengthen support for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program. The national advocacy effort focused on ensuring older adults continue to have access to nutritious meals, wellness checks and the support they need to remain healthy and independent in their homes.
The Meals on Wheels network is urging Congress to increase funding for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program to $2.285 billion for fiscal year 2027 to address the growing challenges of senior food insecurity, malnutrition and social isolation.
The need continues to grow both nationally and here in Wisconsin. Meals on Wheels programs deliver more than 244 million meals annually to 2.6 million older adults across the country. In Kenosha County alone, more than 24,000 residents are age 65 or older, making access to senior nutrition services more important than ever.
As one of a select group of organizations chosen to participate in Meals on Wheels America’s Advocacy in Action grant program, KAFASI received advocacy training and met directly with members of Congress and their staff to share the impact federal funding has on local communities.
“Participating in Advocacy Day gave us the opportunity to share firsthand how federal funding is key to our ability to make a life-changing impact for the seniors we serve every day,” said Shebaniah Judah, executive director of KAFASI. “We were proud to advocate for increased funding so we can meet the growing need and ensure no senior is left waiting.”
Meals on Wheels providers nationwide continue to face rising demand, increasing operating costs and limited resources. Today, one in three providers has a waitlist for home-delivered meals, highlighting the urgent need for increased federal investment.
Locally, KAFASI serves more than 400 seniors and delivers more than 72,900 meals each year through its Meals on Wheels program. Beyond providing nutritious meals, the program offers friendly visits and safety checks that help older adults remain safely and independently in their own homes.
“Our advocacy in Washington wasn’t just about funding,” Judah said. “It was about giving a voice to the older adults in our community who depend on these services every day. We were honored to represent Kenosha County and advocate for the resources needed to serve today’s seniors and the growing number of older adults who will need support in the years ahead.”
As Kenosha’s largest volunteer organization, KAFASI provides 16 programs and services that strengthen individuals and families across every generation. Through Meals on Wheels and other aging services, KAFASI remains committed to helping older adults live healthier, safer and more connected lives.
Volunteer or Donate Today
To learn more about KAFASI’s Meals on Wheels program, volunteer opportunities or ways to support local seniors, visit www.kafasi.org.
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