Meal Center Consolidation

As you can imagine 2009 is a more challenging year than any Citymeals has ever faced. Our partners in city government recognize this as well. In an attempt to bring more meals to ever-growing numbers of homebound elderly New Yorkers, local meal preparation centers are being consolidated so that there are fewer of them…but each will be capable of delivering far more meals and a variety of meals to meet diverse needs. In some cases, we will deliver frozen meals to elderly who have chosen to receive them. These older people have been assessed as capable of handling frozen meals and actually enjoy the freedom to choose what and when to eat. In addition, many people now receive meals suitable for diabetics.

These changes are being phased in borough by borough-Bronx and Staten Island in January, Queens in February, Manhattan in March and Brooklyn in April. Although we expect a relatively smooth transition, we are prepared in case meal deliveries are delayed during this initial process. In the week prior to each borough’s transition, Citymeals will deliver a package containing three non-perishable meals to all meal recipients. This will ensure all homebound elderly have the nourishment they need in case deliveries are delayed at first.

All meals will continue to meet important nutritional standards, all meals will come to the door with a smile, and Citymeals volunteers will continue to stop by, call and write to those who live all alone.

Meal recipients with questions about your home delivered meals or other services, should call the appropriate Case Management Agency or the city’s helpline…311.