Adviser Winter 2019-20 LeadingAge New York Adviser LeadingAge NewYork Winter 2019-20 | Page 30

Feature
United Hebrew and Feeding Westchester
Team Up to Promote Senior Nutrition
F
or many, food inspires fun and
enjoyment with family and friends.
For others, thinking about food may stir
up feelings of hunger and insecurity. Far
too many seniors are “food insecure,”
which means that they lack reliable access
to nutritious food for a healthy, active life.
Food insecurity is a growing problem. The
rate of hunger among seniors aged 60 and
older has increased by 45 percent since
2001, according to Feeding America, a
network of 200 food banks across the
country. As the population ages, the
number of food insecure seniors may
grow to more than 8 million by 2050.
The rate of hunger among seniors aged 60 and older has
increased by 45 percent since 2001, according to Feeding
America, a network of 200 food banks across the country.
To help residents of its independent
senior housing, United Hebrew of
New Rochelle reached out to Feeding
Westchester, a member of Feeding
America which aims to eradicate
hunger across the county. As a result,
the organization’s “Senior Grocery”
program was recently launched on
29
United Hebrew’s campus, bringing a
monthly delivery of fresh produce to over
90 residents of its Meadow Lane and
Soundview Senior Apartments.
For United Hebrew’s part, the program
helps to fulfill its mission to “care for
residents like family” so that they may
remain independent for as long as
possible.
“We spend a lot of time ensuring our
residents access the benefits available
to them, including SNAP, Medicare and
Medicaid,” says Joanne Russo-Lanza, vice
president of housing at United Hebrew
of New Rochelle, where skilled nursing,
assisted living and dementia care are
also offered. “This is another invaluable
resource for our residents, and it brings a
lot of joy, too.”
Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Winter 2019-20
(See United Hebrew on page 30)