Local News
Illinois Aging Groups Seek $10M More for Home-Delivered Meals
Springfield, IL – More than 500 older adults are reportedly waiting for home delivered meals across Illinois as local aging agencies face rising costs and funding pressures, according to an advocacy m
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-02T16:56:03.157Z
Springfield, IL – More than 500 older adults are reportedly waiting for home delivered meals across Illinois as local aging agencies face rising costs and funding pressures, according to an advocacy message from AgeGuide.
According to AgeGuide, half of Illinois Area Agencies on Aging report having waiting lists for Home Delivered Meals, while half also report serving fewer clients because of insufficient funding across the state’s aging network.
The organization also said more than 300 meal recipients had the number of meals they received reduced during fiscal year 2025.
AgeGuide attributed the strain to increasing costs for food, transportation, labor and other expenses tied to delivering meals to older adults who rely on the service.
The organization said Illinois already has providers, delivery networks, staff and volunteers in place, but contends that current funding is not enough to meet demand.
AgeGuide and other groups in the state’s aging network are calling for an additional $10 million in state funding for Home Delivered Meals in the next Illinois budget. Supporters say the funding could help reduce waiting lists and expand access to nutrition services for older residents who want to remain in their homes.
The request comes as advocates encourage Illinois residents to contact state leaders and ask them to support the proposed funding increase.
The figures and funding request were provided by AgeGuide in an advocacy message. The material did not include a detailed breakdown of waiting lists by county, specific provider funding levels or an independent statewide audit of the reported numbers.
Residents seeking information about local meal programs can contact their regional Area Agency on Aging or local senior service provider.