The newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans don’t just offer specific dietary recommendations across the different stages of life — they have implications for federal nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels. As always, we’re committed to ensuring seniors who receive Meals on Wheels get the nutrition they need and so much more. However, the guidance specific to older adults in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans is limited, which is yet another missed opportunity to prioritize the needs of America’s growing older adult population.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes critical federal senior nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels, and directs these programs on how to meet the unique needs of older adults. These programs must adhere to national dietary guidance and prepare meals that are appealing to older adults, including them in menu planning whenever possible. In fact, all OAA funded meals require approval by a local or state-based registered dietitian nutritionist, many of whom have expertise in older adult nutrition. These efforts ensure that the holistic, person-centered meals providers offer meet the unique nutrition, health, cultural and regional needs of the older adults they serve.