The director of the local Council on Aging told the City Council on Tuesday that her agency is serving more home-delivered meals than its federal and state funding support covers and that 302 seniors remain on a wait list for Meals on Wheels.

Carol Whip, who identified herself as director of the Council on Aging, said the nonprofit — incorporated in 1977 — serves people aged 60 and older across the parish and relies on a mix of federal Title III funds and state dollars administered by the governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

“We deliver…we were contracted for 160 meals a day. That contract went up to 191 meals a day,” Whip said. “I have 302 senior citizens on a wait list for home delivered meals.”

Whip outlined program budgets: she said federal Title III funding for nutrition and related services was about $175,320 and state funding was about $274,662.50; she said the agency’s home-delivered meals program costs roughly $157,000 a year. She also described mileage, staffing and local fundraising needs: the program plans about 47,500 home-delivered meals and 43,000 delivery miles annually, and Whip noted drivers are paid at a reimbursement rate of 70¢ a mile.

Whip described eligibility and intake practices, saying the Council serves seniors based on need and a comprehensive assessment rather than strict means tests: “We base it on need. It’s not based strictly on the lack of money…We do a health assessment and what their needs are.” She said the agency asks for a small voluntary contribution for meals but will not refuse service to anyone who cannot pay.

Council members thanked Whip and several commented on volunteerism and program value. Whip also asked how residents can learn about services; she said phone and Facebook are primary contact points and that the agency conducts local outreach and fundraising events, including an upcoming Sugarcane Festival dance.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted gaps between demand and current program funding and the limited flexibility of federal Title III and state allocations to meet local need. Whip’s figures provide a baseline for any council consideration of local funding, volunteer recruitment or program referrals.

What’s next: Whip left contact information and outreach materials with the mayor’s office for residents and council members to share.