Foodlink Inc.

Older adults living in poverty struggle to access healthy food and often must choose between basic needs like food, medication, and housing.

Mobility limitations and disabilities can make it difficult for them to shop for groceries and prepare meals. Reliable, nutritious meals are needed to support their overall health, manage chronic diseases, and maintain quality of life. The federally funded Congregate Meal Program enables local agencies serving older adults to provide daily meals at community sites, such as senior centers and churches. These meals can alleviate financial strain, foster social connections, and create opportunities to access other services. In 2025, NYHealth awarded Foodlink Inc. a grant to provide older adults in Monroe County with free, freshly cooked, nutritious, and culturally-appropriate meals year-round. 

Under this grant, Foodlink will work with the county and meal sites to assess participant needs and capacity. Foodlink will gather feedback from staff and participants to improve meal quality and service delivery and use tracking systems to optimize routes and ensure timely daily meal service. It will collaborate with local agencies and nonprofits to increase older adult participation, and promote freshly prepared meals. Foodlink will evaluate the program using its data systems and share findings to inform recommendations for other food banks and community kitchens.