Demand for Meals on Wheels services continues to rise, with 35% of providers now operating waiting lists due to a lack of capacity to meet growing needs, those involved have said.

In response, the National Meals on Wheels Network, supported by Irish Rural Link, is calling for multi-annual funding with a dedicated allocation of €10 million ringfenced specifically for Meals on Wheels.

This investment is "crucial to ensuring that services can expand to meet increasing demand and reach all who need them".

The network has published its pre-Budget 2026 submission.

€6.25 million was allocated in Budget 2025, however, this funding was not exclusively designated for Meals on Wheels, the network said.

"As a result, the sector remains underfunded and overstretched. Furthermore, this allocation is limited to service providers funded under HSE Section 39," it said.

"Of the 308 service providers in the Meals on Wheels network, 33% do not receive any HSE funding."

Meals on Wheels plays a "vital role in communities by enabling older people to remain in their own homes, receive a nutritious daily meal, and benefit from a much-needed daily check-in".

The network is also calling for the continuation of the inflationary fund into 2026, to help service providers manage the ongoing rise in food and energy costs, which continue to place significant pressure on operations.

Aidan Farrelly of Tramore Community Care, Waterford said: "Tramore Community Care — Meals on Wheels have operated for over 50 years and have managed to cope with many challenges. 

"Currently we are facing huge energy costs and requests for meal deliveries outside our designated area (greater Tramore area) are increasing and present a challenge we are trying to address."

The network said funding is "urgently needed to address service gaps across the country".

"Without adequate staffing and support, the capacity to meet demand and expand services remains limited."

Eibhlis Bray, Croom Family Resource Center manager said that Croom Meals on Wheels is "not just about the meal, it's about community, companionship and connection".

"Our service needs to be funded, to be sustainable and realistic to meet the needs of our community now and into the future," Bray said.

"Our volunteers service four key routes exceeding a 50km radius twice weekly. This is the reality of supporting rurally-based older and vulnerable populations and we now need urgent funding support."

Tracey Noone, development officer for the National Meals on Wheels Network, said that the "sector cannot continue to do more with less".

"Meals on Wheels is a frontline service, and it is being left behind. Meals on Wheels providers across the country are at a tipping point," Noone said.

"Without immediate and ringfenced funding, services across the country will be forced to cut back or close.

"Vulnerable older people will be left without the food and support they rely on daily."