Tuesday, October 13, 2026
As the Illinois legislative veto session begins, AgeGuide and the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging are working with state legislators to discuss the growing need for home-delivered meals funding. These conversations with legislators are an opportunity to share the challenges facing the aging network, highlight the experiences of older adults in our communities, and emphasize the importance of continued investment in nutrition services.
Home-delivered meals provide more than nutritious food. They offer a vital connection to the community and regular wellness checks that help older adults remain healthy and independent in their homes. However, rising costs and increasing demand are making it difficult for providers to keep pace.
A Growing Need Across Illinois
The impact of insufficient funding is already being felt across the state:
- Half of Illinois’ Area Agencies on Aging report serving fewer home-delivered meals clients.
- More than 500 older adults are currently on waiting lists for meals statewide.
- Over 300 meal recipients experienced reductions in the number of meals they received in FY2025.
Illinois’ aging network is seeking an additional $10 million in state funding for home-delivered meals in the next state budget. This investment would help address waiting lists, support local providers, and expand access to essential nutrition services.
Make Your Voice Heard
We cannot do this advocacy work alone. Community members play an important role in raising awareness. AgeGuide’s latest action alert makes it easy to contact Illinois lawmakers and share why home-delivered meals funding matters.
Together, we can help ensure that the needs of older adults remain part of the conversation as Illinois considers its funding priorities.
Take Action for Home-Delivered Meals
