The Aging and Long Term Services Department told legislators that New Mexico's senior nutrition network faces increasing demand, rising delivery and packaging costs, and a high prevalence of food insecurity among older residents.

Denise King, division director for the Aging and Long Term Services Department, said about 240 senior centers across the state serve congregate meals and home-delivered meals; the department reported that roughly 50,000 unduplicated older adults used senior nutrition services and that over four million meals were served in fiscal 2025. King told the committee that home-delivered meals are more expensive to produce and deliver than congregate meals and that costs such as packaging and milk have risen mid-year for providers.

King highlighted statewide demographic trends: by 2040 the state expects about 28% growth in its 65+ population and that New Mexico ranks among the highest states for senior food insecurity. "This is a very telling, important stat...our aging population is in need of supportive services to remain in their homes safely and to live independently," King said, urging continued investment to maintain home- and community-based nutrition services.

Why it matters: Aging officials said senior meal services often fill nutritional gaps and are a frequent referral point for other health and social services; reductions to SNAP or food-box programs could increase demand on the aging network and require either more state funds or reductions in service.

Ending: King said the department will continue to coordinate with DOH and HSD on senior food-box programs, prioritize snacks and weekend meal options for high-need clients and advocate for funding to maintain home-delivered and congregate services as the senior population grows.