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Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
Maintaining independence becomes a top priority as we age and one of the most crucial aspects of independence is proper nutrition. The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging recognizes this priority and offers comprehensive nutritional services that support our senior community in living longer, healthier, happier lives. The agency’s impact is rapidly growing – from 1.2 million meals prepared and served across the parish in fiscal year 2023, to more than 1.5 million meals in fiscal year 2024.
More Than Just a Meal
Hot meals are prepared daily in a 12,000 square foot commercial kitchen located on the first floor of the EBRCOA’s main office. All meals prepared by EBRCOA meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for the specific
nutritional needs of an older adult. At the heart of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s mission is an understanding that providing a meal is not just about sustenance, it’s about fostering community, health and independence.
“Downstairs is where the magic happens,” says Angell Jackson Kennedy, the agency’s Chief Marketing and Information Officer. “Our staff is talented, and all their meals have love in them. You can taste it.”
The meals are available at 16 senior activity centers throughout the parish five days a week, bringing seniors together in a welcoming environment. This ensures that seniors receive the balanced diet they need and offers a space for social interaction, reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation that many seniors face. Additionally, the EBRCOA offers four nutrition sites where seniors can pick up a hot meal to be enjoyed elsewhere.
Meals on Wheels: A Lifeline for Homebound Seniors
The EBRCOA’s Meals on Wheels program is a vital service for those who are homebound. This service delivers more
than just food – it delivers care, compassion and a connection to the outside world. Through this program, approximately 1,500 seniors receive seven different freshly prepared, flash-frozen meals each week, along with milk, bread, healthy snacks and fresh produce.
Each meal is thoughtfully prepared to meet the nutritional needs of seniors, helping them to maintain their health. These regular visits from EBRCOA staff also provide a safety check, offering peace of mind to both seniors and their families.
Supporting Independence Through the Lotus Food Pantry
The EBRCOA also operates the Lotus Food Pantry, ensuring that seniors have access to the nutritious foods they need through a partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the USDA.
The pantry offers a variety of healthy options set up like a grocery store, where seniors can walk the aisles with their shopping carts and select items to prepare their own meals at home. This service empowers seniors to continue making their own food choices, fostering healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
Access to the pantry helps seniors lower their day-to-day costs, so they can avoid having to make the difficult decision between buying groceries or other necessities like medication.
Promoting Health, Happiness and Independence
The EBRCOA’s nutritional services are more than just a way to feed East Baton Rouge’s senior population. It is a comprehensive service approach to promoting health, happiness and independence. By ensuring access to nutritious meals and providing the support necessary to maintain a balanced diet, the agency is helping seniors live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
To learn more about any of the EBRCOA services, call 225.923.8000 or visit online at ebrcoa.org/services-application/ to apply for services.
