Nutrition Programs
Congregate (C-1) Meals
The Nutrition Program of the New Orleans Council on Aging is two-fold. This program provides both Congregate (C-1) meals and Home delivered (C-2) meals or as they are more commonly referred to as “Meals on Wheels” to the elderly sixty (60) years of age and older in Orleans parish. The Congregate Meals Program (C-1) provides a meal to an eligible participant at a nutrition site, senior center or other congregate setting.
These services are designed to maintain or improve the physical, psychological, and social well being of the elderly through the provision of appropriate nutrition services. Hot meals are designed to meet one-third (1/3) of the daily recommended dietary allowance as indicated by the food and nutrition board of the National Academy of Sciences.
Congregate (C-1) Meals
Eligibility Requirements
Age
Seniors 60 years of age or older, or the spouse of an eligible participant
Residency
Residence in Orleans Parish. A Part I Assessment Form must be completed on every person that receives a meal.
Disability
Handicapped or disabled persons who are not 60 years of age, but who reside in a housing facility occupied primarily by the elderly at which the congregate nutrition services are provided can participate in the congregate meals program, but only at that location.
Home Delivered (C-2) Meals
"Meals On Wheels"
The Home-Delivered Meals Program (C-2), commonly referred to as “Meals on Wheels,” provides eligible participants with a nutritious meal delivered directly to their residence. Each meal is designed to meet at least one-third of the recommended daily dietary allowance (RDA) and may be delivered hot, frozen, dried, canned, or as supplemental food.
This service is intended to help individuals remain safely in their own homes while maintaining their health and independence. Approximately 500 meals are delivered five days per week, Monday through Friday, ensuring participants receive at least one balanced meal each day. The program also offers an added benefit of regular social interaction through daily contact with delivery drivers.
The overall goal is to support the health and well-being of older adults, helping them remain independent and reducing the need for premature placement in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
Home Delivery (C-2) Meals
Eligibility Requirements
Age
Must be 60 years of age or older
Residency
Residence in Orleans Parish. A Part I Assessment Form must be completed on every person that receives a meal.
Disability
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Must be homebound due to illness, incapacitating disability, or isolation
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Must have no alternative means of receiving a midday meal
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Must be unable to leave home without assistance
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Must have no one available to assist with meal preparation
Other Important Guidelines
Meals on Wheels is not an emergency service. In case of delivery cancellations, please keep extra food handy, especially in winter months. Please let us know about changes in your condition that may alter your eligibility for Meals on Wheels.
Costs:
(C-1) meals costs approximately $7.16 and (C-2) meals cost approximately $7.21. Donations are accepted to supplement the cost of meals. Daily meals and social interaction with the meal drivers are vital to the well being of seniors. You can support the Meals On Wheels Program by making a donation to:
Meals on Wheels Program
New Orleans Council on Aging
2475 Canal St., Ste. 400
New Orleans, LA 70119
The New Orleans Council on Aging is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Currently, a waiting list exists for (C-2) meals and for site requests to provide (C-1) congregate meal services.
For referrals of potential clients to the Meals on Wheels Program, please call (504) 821-4121.