This March, Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois joins the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and senior nutrition service providers across the country in celebrating the 54th anniversary of the
national Senior Nutrition Program.

Since 1972, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults. Funded by the Older Americans Act, local senior nutrition programs serve as hubs for older adults (60 and above) to access nutritious meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections and promote health and well-being.

Senior nutrition is now more important than ever. Each year in the U.S., up to half of adults over 65 are at risk of malnutrition, and more than 10 million face hunger. According to the Illinois Department on Aging’s assessment tool, nearly 50% of MOWFNI’s clients screen at high nutritional risk due to the
compounded effects of chronic illness, medication use, food insecurity and social isolation.

In communities throughout the U.S. – including our own – older adults sometimes lack access to the high-quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent.

As part of the Senior Nutrition Program network, Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois helps older adults in our community by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation and improving health. The program also provides connections to home and community-based services that can support independence and overall well-being. In 2025, Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois served 22,077 lunches in their local community cafés and over 230,000 home-delivered meals throughout Grundy, Kendall and Will counties.

Older adults aged 60+ can find community cafés in Bolingbrook, Channahon, Coal City, Frankfort, Joliet, Lockport, Mazon, Minooka, Monee, Morris, Oswego, Shorewood and Yorkville.

For more than 50 years, senior nutrition services have helped create healthy, strong communities where all members can flourish regardless of age. That’s why we proudly recognize this anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program and its tremendous impact on the health and well-being of older adults in our community.

Join us in celebrating our seniors, our program, and our community! Learn more about our program and services and how you can support senior nutrition: www.mowfni.org or by calling (312) 207-5290.
Visit ACL.gov/SNP/celebrate for more on the anniversary.