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New Orleans Council on Aging highlights high senior food insecurity; seeks stable funding and capital repairs
Summary
The New Orleans Council on Aging presented data showing among the highest senior food insecurity rates in the nation, outlined ongoing meal, transportation and senior-center services and said it expects a flat operating budget request for 2025 while flagging capital needs at several centers.
Martin Huber and other New Orleans Council on Aging staff presented the report "State of Seniors: Living in New Orleans 2024," summarizing data the council said shows high rates of food insecurity and poverty among seniors in the city.
Key findings presented: the council told the City Council New Orleans has one of the largest proportions of seniors living in poverty and among the highest rates of seniors with low food security. Presenters said roughly 24% of households include a senior living in poverty and that about 14% of senior-households are one emergency away from falling into poverty. The council cited seniors' reliance on Social Security and limited financial buffers as drivers of the trend.
Programs and budget: The New Orleans Council on Aging described programs including Meals on Wheels, senior centers, home assessments, caregiver support, transportation, and nutrition services. Presenters said the agency's 2025 operating request is flat (no budget increase requested), while noting rising operational costs (insurance, vehicle operations, and utilities) and capital repair needs at centers (air conditioning, roofing and tile) that require attention.
Why it matters: Council staff warned the city should prepare for demographic shifts as the older population grows and urged the council to consider both operating and capital supports to sustain services that enable seniors to age in place.
Next steps: Presenters asked council members to consider capital repairs and to continue supporting meal and home-support programs; they flagged state-level funds recently directed to meal programs and noted possible short-term extensions.
