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DFTA Announces Record Number of Home-Delivered Meals to Older New Yorkers in 2019

NEW YORK (December 23, 2019) – The New York City Department for the Aging’s (DFTA) network of community-based providers delivered a record total of 4,554,828 meals in 2019 to homebound older New Yorkers. For older adults throughout the five boroughs, home-delivered meals provide access to nutritious and balanced meals, promote overall health, and support their ability to live independently in their communities.

"Homebound older New Yorkers rely on our home-delivered meals and with our 28 community-based programs, we serve on average 18,000 meals per day," said DFTA Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. "Among the City’s most vulnerable, many recipients of home-delivered meals would not otherwise have access to adequate nutrition. This year, we delivered a record number of meals directly to the hands and homes of older New Yorkers, demonstrating just how essential this program is."

Home-delivered meals are made from high-quality foods that adhere to NYC food standards and provide one-third of the Daily Recommended Intake for adults, with a portion of the foods sourced regionally. DFTA’s delivery of meals to frail older New Yorkers helps ensure that their nutritional needs are met five days a week. DFTA also partially-funds Citymeals on Wheels (CMOW) to deliver meals on weekends, before holidays, and emergencies.

In the spirit of holiday giving, last week, DFTA employees volunteered with CMOW to pack holiday meal boxes for homebound older adults. More than 50 employees visited the emergency meals distribution center warehouse in the Bronx to pack nearly 3,000 meal boxes, containing almost 9,000 unique meals. Holiday boxes filled with shelf-stable foods are delivered to homebound older adults before anticipated emergencies and long holiday weekends throughout the year.

"Citymeals was honored to host our partner from the Department for the Aging at our new emergency meals distribution center. In addition to packing thousands of meals for New York City’s homebound elderly, DFTA staff were able to see the size and scope of our operations, which enable Citymeals to have over 55,000 emergency meals on-hand, to be delivered at a moment’s notice for an older New Yorker in need. For nearly 40 years, this partnership has provided a critical lifeline to homebound elderly in the City," said Citymeals on Wheels Executive Director Beth Shapiro.

Through DFTA-funded case management agencies, homebound older adults can be connected to an array of in-home services, including home-delivered meals, friendly visiting, homecare, mental health counseling services, and more. For more information about DFTA’s in-home services, visit DFTA’s website or call 311 and ask for "case management."

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The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.6 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the U.S.

Media contact:
DFTA
Suzanne Myklebust
212-602-4153