For seniors who are still living at home, but relying on a monthly Social Security payment, you may be finding that the current inflation is really impacting the type of groceries you are purchasing. In 2021, the average price of protein in eggs, meat, poultry and fish has increased by 6%; many other items have seen even higher price increases.
The nutrition from healthy food is vital to seniors. If you or a family member are struggling to purchase food items to maintain a healthy diet, we really encourage you to reach out to some of the New Mexico resources to get help with food. Here are some that serve seniors in the communities around our BeeHive Homes.
Bernalillo County
In Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, the US Census estimates that 1 of every 7 seniors lives below the poverty level. As a non-profit, Silver Horizons offers a free grocery program for seniors through either a drive-up program or a home delivery option. To learn more, call them at 505-884-3881 or learn more here.
Sandoval County
In Sandoval County, the Sandoval County Senior Program offers home-delivered meals as well as congregate meals in a number of senior centers (on hiatus during Covid). Seniors are assessed by program staff for eligibility; the county does not charge for services but donations are appreciated. Transportation and homemaker services may also be available. For more information, call 505-867-7535 or visit their website.
Santa Fe County
In Santa Fe County, the Santa Fe County Senior Program offers a home delivered meal to seniors. A suggested donation is $1.50. More information is available by calling 505-992-3069 or visit their website. The City of Santa Fe also provides home-delivered meals. Call 505-955-4721 for information.
Across New Mexico
The Economic Council Helping Others, Inc. (ECHO) offers a Free Food for Seniors program through the commodity supplemental food program for income-qualified seniors age 60 and older. Call 505-326-3770 for distributions in Northwest New Mexico including Chama, Farmington, Dulce, Coyote, Gallup, Lake Valley, Cuba, Bloomfield, Blanco, Aztec, Shiprock, and Crownpoint. For distributions in Albuquerque, Belen, Bernalillo, Grants, Jemez, Espanola, Ranchitos, and Santa Fe, call 505-242-6777.
You may also want to check into SNAP benefits.
At BeeHive Homes, our assisted living centers offer nutritious meals to our residents. We care deeply that the elderly still living in their own homes are able to have groceries or meals at home. If you or a senior family member are struggling during the inflation of 2021-2022, please reach out to one of these agencies. A list of all food banks in New Mexico, offering help to all ages, is available here.
