Cayuga Health and Foodnet Meals on Wheels launch new dining site at Ithaca mall

Cayuga Health is proud to announce a new partnership with Foodnet Meals on Wheels to expand access to nutritious meals and community connection for older adults in Tompkins County. Beginning Oct. 23, Community Dining lunches will be served weekly at Cayuga Health’s location at The Shops at Ithaca Mall.

The initiative builds on a shared commitment to health equity and improving the social determinants of health, especially for the aging population in our region.

“This collaboration with Foodnet aligns seamlessly with Cayuga Health’s mission to provide integrated, community-centered care,” said Lara Parrilla, Director of Health Equity for Cayuga Health Partners. “By opening our space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall, we are helping create a welcoming environment where older adults can access healthy food, meaningful conversation, and critical health resources close to home.”

Foodnet Meals on Wheels is the only local organization that prepares and delivers hot meals directly to clients in Tompkins County. Foodnet operates the Senior Nutrition Program, which includes the Community Dining program, under a contract from the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA). This latest expansion of the long-standing Community Dining program creates a new, accessible option in the Lansing area and is made possible through support from Cayuga Health.

“The Community Dining program provides space and healthy food for our older neighbors from throughout Tompkins County to enjoy a meal and socialize with others,” said Aly Evans, Executive Director of Foodnet Meals on Wheels. “Cayuga Health is a fantastic partner in this endeavor because we share the goal of improving social determinants of health for the communities that we serve.”

Starting Oct. 23, Weekly Thursday Community Dining will take place at The Shops at Ithaca Mall, located at the former Sears location near the food court at 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca. Doors open at 11 a.m., with lunch served from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

The lunch is open to anyone aged 60 or older, but advance registration is required (no “drop-ins”). To register, please call Foodnet at (607) 266-9553 by 3:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the meal.

Meals include 2% milk, with skim and Lactaid options available upon request. There is no charge for eligible participants, though voluntary and confidential contributions are welcomed to support program sustainability.

In addition to meals, Community Dining events often feature educational sessions on topics like nutrition, scam awareness, and tips on healthy living.

The new Ithaca Mall location extends COFA’s 51-year tradition of providing nutritious meals and social support to older adults in Tompkins County. Foodnet also operates Community Dining sites at Titus Towers (Monday–Friday) and the Slaterville Volunteer Fire Company (Tuesdays), and is currently recruiting volunteers for all sites.

The Community Dining program is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the New York State Office for the Aging (https://aging.ny.gov/), and the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Aging).

About Centralus Health

Centralus Health, an affiliation of community-based Arnot Health and Cayuga Health systems, is focused on our region’s changing health needs and our communities’ wellbeing. Centralus Health is a partnership of experienced caregivers who strive to eliminate barriers to better health, innovating and evolving services in the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Central New York.

Boasting a combined workforce of over 6,500 employees, Centralus Health provides full-service health care at five hospital campuses and primary and specialty care practices across the region. Affiliates include two multispecialty medical groups, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, multiple skilled nursing facilities, a durable medical equipment company, an emergency medical transport services, and more.

Centralus Health was founded to ensure quality comprehensive health care remains available locally. For more information, visit www.CentralusHealth.org.

About Foodnet Meals on Wheels

Foodnet Meals on Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meals and other nutrition services that promote dignity, well-being, and independence for older adults and other persons in need in Tompkins County. We envision a Tompkins County community in which senior hunger is eliminated, supportive services are readily accessible, and our neighbors enjoy independence without isolation. Learn more at foodnet.org.

About Tompkins County Office for the Aging

Your Point of Entry into Aging Services in Tompkins County

Established in 1975, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging is committed to supporting older adults and individuals with long-term care needs in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life in their homes and communities. We provide objective and unbiased information about the full spectrum of aging services available in Tompkins County, for both older adults and their caregivers. Our work is made possible through federal, state, local, and grant funding, and we collaborate with a wide network of community partners, subcontractors, and service providers to ensure that comprehensive and accessible services are available to those who need them.