NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department

NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department

Gino Rinaldi, Cabinet Secretary

For Immediate Release Media Contact:

November 26, 2013 Kenny Vigil

505-470-2290

Aging Department Helps Feed New Mexico Seniors

Hunger a Problem for Many Seniors

(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department and its partners work year-round to try to reduce the risk of hunger among New Mexico’s seniors. Department-funded Area Agencies on Aging serve 3.5 million congregate and home delivered meals per year through local senior centers statewide.

“Serving seniors meals can help them live independently for a longer period of time,” said Aging and Long-Term Services Cabinet Secretary Gino Rinaldi. “Seniors who would like to get a meal at their senior center, or need meals delivered to their homes, can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center and be connected with nutrition resources in their communities.”

Nationally, 92% of seniors who receive home-delivered meals say these meals allow them to continue living in their own homes. The Department’s Aging and Disability Resource Center can be reached toll free at 1-800-432-2080.

About 39 percent of New Mexico seniors utilize senior nutrition sites, home delivered meals and monthly food distribution programs, but still need help obtaining food.

New Mexico ranks second in the nation for seniors experiencing food insecurity, according to a 2011 policy briefing by AARP. About 37 percent of New Mexico seniors report having to choose between buying medication or buying food. The national average is 30 percent.

“Beyond the fact that none of our elders should go hungry, hunger has terrible implications for our seniors’ health,” said Secretary Rinaldi. “It raises their risks for a host of chronic conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, that destroy independence and quality of life as they age. If you know a senior who needs this help, please, don’t let them go without.”

If you know a senior in need of nutrition assistance, refer them to the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 800-432-2080.

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