One in every three senior citizens in the city is either going hungry, or worried about where they'll find their next meal, according to a new study funded by the City Council. 

"Not having enough resources to eat in a nutritious way – which is called food insecurity – is a problem throughout the city,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. 

Researchers say black and Hispanic New Yorkers reported the most serious levels of hunger, ranging from skipping meals to going hungry altogether. 

The report also found that seniors ages 60 to 64 worried the most about their next meal and were more likely to report weight loss. 

Those surveyed said existing food programs are inadequate. 

City leaders say changes must be made within the senior citizen community, such as making Meals on Wheels a fully funded program and a guaranteed right for every senior. 

"Enough with waiting lists! We have hundreds of people on waiting lists – they're 80, 90 years old and over. Why would anyone in this city want a senior to be on a waiting list for a home-delivered meal? We actually don't think that anybody would," said Bobbie Sackman of the Council of Senior Centers & Services. 

Another recommendation was to allow senior centers to provide meals off site, anywhere seniors congregate. 

"I think that we're at a point, when it comes to senior nutrition, that we have to bring the meal to the senior,” said City Councilmember James Vacca. 

The study said seniors may be reporting hunger because thousands don't receive Social Security or Medicaid. The study also found a widespread under-utilization of food stamps. 

The City Council funded the study, which was performed by the Council of Senior Centers and Services. About 800 people over the age of 60 took part. All of their data was gathered last winter in 15 different communities across the five boroughs. 

In the months ahead, Quinn promises the council will look at the study's recommendations, trying to find a solution to the city's hunger problem.