Latest news with #Foodlink
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fill the Bus campaign begins at area Wegmans
WEBSTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Wegmans Fill the Bus campaign is underway. The program aims to make sure kids get access to the food they need during school are able to donate money during checkout with 100% of the proceeds going to area food banks. Wegmans stores around town are working with Foodlink to help keep the banks stocked up for the summer. 'In today's world there's a lot of people who struggle through food insecurity and it might be your next-door neighbor or folks you don't really know what the resources are and who they can turn to and go to for help. What we try to do through this campaign is do some good and raise some money,' said D'Shala Anderson, Wegmans Holt Rd. Front-end Manager. Last year Wegmans donated more than 36 million pounds of food — and customers raised more than $3.2 million dollars Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Schumer, faith leaders, and Foodlink warn of SNAP benefit cuts
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Senator Chuck Schumer was joined by local faith leaders and Foodlink officials in Rochester on Tuesday to criticize the $300 billion federal cuts to SNAP benefits. The proposed cuts, which are part of President Donald Trump's federal spending plan, are estimated to affect 150,000 people in the Finger Lakes region. Leaders say it would mark the largest reduction in the anti-hunger program's history. 'Senate Democrats are totally united in stopping these cuts to SNAP. We demand Republicans go back to the drawing board. If only four Republican senators say they will not do the SNAP cuts in the Senate bill and join with us, they could stop. That's what we need to happen,' said Sen. Schumer. Foodlink supports more than 350 community food pantries across the Finger Lakes region. CEO Julia Tedesco says those pantries are seeing more traffic than ever before, and the proposed cuts would be even more devastating for those who use them.'The main message here today is that no food bank in the nation, none of the 200 regional food banks in the nation, can make up for a decrease of this magnitude. For every one meal the emergency food network distributes here in the Finger Lakes, but in any zip code in the country, SNAP makes up nine times that amount for families,' said Tedesco. Doreen Young, a working mother of six children and SNAP recipient, shared her concerns Tuesday. 'We all know that prices in the grocery store are high. Inflation made it harder and harder to make ends meet. We try to stretch our benefits as far as they can go. If people are struggling now, can you imagine what happens if this bill is passed?' said Young. Leaders say the SNAP program is a lifeline for nearly three million New Yorkers. Under the Republican proposal, the average family would be reduced to just five dollars for food per day per person. 'We're here today. Foodlink is here today. We're distributing food today. The agencies we're distributing food for are here today, and we will continue to show up tomorrow,' said Tedesco, 'There may come a time when the lines are just too long. But we're going to keep showing up.' In the meantime, Foodlink is calling on the community for continued support and donations. You can find more information, along with the nonprofit's various resources, on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Foodlink addresses rise in food insecurity in Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — According to a recent report by Feeding America, food insecurity continues to rise. Foodlink has noted that this trend is also impacting the Rochester community. The 'Map the Meal Gap' report from Feeding America uses data and surveys from the USDA Economic Research Service from two years before to track food insecurity across the United States. The report detailed that nearly 10,000 more people in the counties that Foodlink serves experienced food insecurity in 2023 than in 2022. 'While Foodlink and its nonprofit partners continue to do all that we can to support those who need food assistance while food prices remain high, more must be done through policy and legislation at the state and federal level to reverse this troubling trend,' Julia Tedesco, President and CEO of Foodlink, said. According to this year's report, 13% of Monroe County residents are reported to be affected by food insecurity compared to 11.8% of Livingston and Ontario County and 14.5% of Allegany County. Local attorneys host Hot Ones fundraiser for United Way The study also reported that the 14605 zip code of Rochester ranked as one of the highest food-insecurity rates, with 31.7% of that area impacted by food insecurity. Rochester Hope food pantry has worked with Foodlink to address the issue in the area and provide residents with accessible and healthy resources. According to the pantry's executive director, Dawn Burdick, they have seen a 30% increase in those who utilize their services compared to those served at the same time last year. 'We're serving many more children from food-insecure households,' said Burdick, 'and we're seeing a heartbreaking rise in people having to turn to an emergency food pantry for the first time. Many carry shame and stigma as they walk through our doors — but we want them to know they're not alone. No one should have to choose between feeding their children and keeping the lights on.' More information about 'Map of Meal the Gap' and the report can be found on Feeding America's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Collaborative Healthy Eating Initiative Sees Substantial Improvement in Food Security and HbA1C Levels for Type 2 Diabetes Participants
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unite Us, the nation's trusted technology partner for integrating health and community-based care, reports significant health improvements from a year-long collaboration with Jordan Health and Foodlink through the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System's (FLPPS) System Transformation & Community Investment program. Together, they launched the Healthy Eating Pilot Program, a local initiative in the Finger Lakes region focused on addressing food insecurity among patients with Type 2 Diabetes. This program demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating food assistance with nutrition-focused care to significantly improve health outcomes, setting a new national benchmark for managing chronic diseases through holistic, community-driven solutions. The program, in effect from August 2023 to August 2024, connected food-insecure patients with Type 2 Diabetes to medically appropriate food assistance through a comprehensive network powered by Unite Us, which includes more than 650 providers in the Finger Lakes region. 'This program has demonstrated how critical it is to have strong partnerships between community-based organizations and the healthcare system. Partnerships like this benefit the participants, improve health outcomes, and keep dollars circulating within local communities,' said Dr. Mitch Gruber, chief impact officer at Foodlink. Key findings from the program highlight its success in improving participants' health and overall well-being: 72% of participants increased their fruit and vegetable consumption 67% of participants reported improved food security 53% of participants reduced their stress levels 50% of participants improved their HbA1C 42% of participants increased the number of mental and physical healthy days per month Participants experienced a statistically significant HbA1C reduction of, with the potential to reduce total annual healthcare costs by as much as 13% PMPY. 'Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality care regardless of their ability to pay. We know that our diet impacts our overall health. So, we were thrilled to serve as a partner for this pilot which we know resulted in such a significant improvement for many of our patients,' said Dr. Linda Clark, president and ceo of Jordan Health. 'Our hope is for pilots like this to develop into long-lasting and sustainable programs which help everyone with the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle as a direct result of the provided information and resources.' Beyond improved health outcomes, participants also appreciated the program's holistic approach, which included regular deliveries of fresh produce, essential cookware, and helpful recipe cards. For one participant, the program's thoughtful design and practical resources made a meaningful impact on their life. They said, 'Whoever thought of the program did a very good job. It was very convenient to know I was getting fresh fruits and vegetables every two weeks. The cookware—I really needed a lot of those things, so it helped out 100%. It was very good for my family. The recipe cards were extremely helpful. I enjoyed it.' The Unite Us platform was instrumental in the program's success, simplifying access to vital community resources and fostering seamless collaboration across the network of community-based organizations (CBOs). Additionally, the use of Unite Us' social care revenue cycle management solution enabled timely reimbursements for CBOs, providing sustainable support for the program's goals. 'This program shows that we can tackle major public health challenges through partnership, technology, and innovation,' said Dr. Amanda Terry, senior director of research and evaluation at Unite Us. 'By addressing non-clinical needs, we not only improve individual outcomes but also create a replicable model that communities across the country can adopt.' The program provided significant benefits across multiple stakeholder groups. For CBOs, it validated their impact on public health, strengthened their capacity to serve, and opened new funding streams. Government leaders saw how community-driven interventions improved health outcomes and received data to support evidence-based policy decisions. Healthcare providers were empowered to address social determinants of health, improving patient engagement and health outcomes. Payers gained valuable insights into the cost-saving potential of preventative care models, emphasizing the role of nutrition in reducing healthcare expenditures tied to chronic diseases. All non-profit community-based organizations can use Unite Us' platform free of charge. Contact us to learn more: About Unite Us: Unite Us is the nation's premier technology provider for integrating health and community-based care. Our advanced product suite is used to proactively coordinate services using data-driven insights, streamline referral and case management, and facilitate eligibility assessments and reimbursements across government, healthcare, health plans, and community organizations. The first of its kind, our closed-loop referral system prioritizes privacy and dignity and has integrated data and analytics tools used to measure impact, optimize programs, and shape policy. With over 1.7M services, we host the nation's largest network of community-based health and economic services dedicated to improving whole-person health. Learn more at and LinkedIn. About Jordan Health: The Anthony L. Jordan Health Center began more than 100 years ago and was one of the first Federally Qualified Health Centers established in the nation. Located in neighborhoods where the most pressing need exists, our roots are steeped in service to underserved and uninsured residents, and building a safe, quality place for healthcare is our cornerstone. Learn more at Foodlink is a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. We serve as the hub of the emergency food system across a 10-county service area. As a leading public health organization, Foodlink administers many programs and initiatives that aim to build the health and wealth of communities. Learn more at
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Collaborative Healthy Eating Initiative Sees Substantial Improvement in Food Security and HbA1C Levels for Type 2 Diabetes Participants
A one-year Finger Lakes initiative demonstrates the power and scalability of an integrated health and community care model; results show medically tailored food assistance improved food security for 67% and HbA1C levels for 50% of participants, leading to estimated healthcare savings up to 13% annually per member. NEW YORK, May 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unite Us, the nation's trusted technology partner for integrating health and community-based care, reports significant health improvements from a year-long collaboration with Jordan Health and Foodlink through the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System's (FLPPS) System Transformation & Community Investment program. Together, they launched the Healthy Eating Pilot Program, a local initiative in the Finger Lakes region focused on addressing food insecurity among patients with Type 2 Diabetes. This program demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating food assistance with nutrition-focused care to significantly improve health outcomes, setting a new national benchmark for managing chronic diseases through holistic, community-driven solutions. The program, in effect from August 2023 to August 2024, connected food-insecure patients with Type 2 Diabetes to medically appropriate food assistance through a comprehensive network powered by Unite Us, which includes more than 650 providers in the Finger Lakes region. "This program has demonstrated how critical it is to have strong partnerships between community-based organizations and the healthcare system. Partnerships like this benefit the participants, improve health outcomes, and keep dollars circulating within local communities," said Dr. Mitch Gruber, chief impact officer at Foodlink. Key findings from the program highlight its success in improving participants' health and overall well-being: 72% of participants increased their fruit and vegetable consumption 67% of participants reported improved food security 53% of participants reduced their stress levels 50% of participants improved their HbA1C 42% of participants increased the number of mental and physical healthy days per month Participants experienced a statistically significant HbA1C reduction of, with the potential to reduce total annual healthcare costs by as much as 13% PMPY. "Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality care regardless of their ability to pay. We know that our diet impacts our overall health. So, we were thrilled to serve as a partner for this pilot which we know resulted in such a significant improvement for many of our patients," said Dr. Linda Clark, president and ceo of Jordan Health. "Our hope is for pilots like this to develop into long-lasting and sustainable programs which help everyone with the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle as a direct result of the provided information and resources." Beyond improved health outcomes, participants also appreciated the program's holistic approach, which included regular deliveries of fresh produce, essential cookware, and helpful recipe cards. For one participant, the program's thoughtful design and practical resources made a meaningful impact on their life. They said, "Whoever thought of the program did a very good job. It was very convenient to know I was getting fresh fruits and vegetables every two weeks. The cookware—I really needed a lot of those things, so it helped out 100%. It was very good for my family. The recipe cards were extremely helpful. I enjoyed it." The Unite Us platform was instrumental in the program's success, simplifying access to vital community resources and fostering seamless collaboration across the network of community-based organizations (CBOs). Additionally, the use of Unite Us' social care revenue cycle management solution enabled timely reimbursements for CBOs, providing sustainable support for the program's goals. "This program shows that we can tackle major public health challenges through partnership, technology, and innovation," said Dr. Amanda Terry, senior director of research and evaluation at Unite Us. "By addressing non-clinical needs, we not only improve individual outcomes but also create a replicable model that communities across the country can adopt." The program provided significant benefits across multiple stakeholder groups. For CBOs, it validated their impact on public health, strengthened their capacity to serve, and opened new funding streams. Government leaders saw how community-driven interventions improved health outcomes and received data to support evidence-based policy decisions. Healthcare providers were empowered to address social determinants of health, improving patient engagement and health outcomes. Payers gained valuable insights into the cost-saving potential of preventative care models, emphasizing the role of nutrition in reducing healthcare expenditures tied to chronic diseases. All non-profit community-based organizations can use Unite Us' platform free of charge. Contact us to learn more: About Unite Us: Unite Us is the nation's premier technology provider for integrating health and community-based care. Our advanced product suite is used to proactively coordinate services using data-driven insights, streamline referral and case management, and facilitate eligibility assessments and reimbursements across government, healthcare, health plans, and community organizations. The first of its kind, our closed-loop referral system prioritizes privacy and dignity and has integrated data and analytics tools used to measure impact, optimize programs, and shape policy. With over 1.7M services, we host the nation's largest network of community-based health and economic services dedicated to improving whole-person health. Learn more at and LinkedIn. About Jordan Health: The Anthony L. Jordan Health Center began more than 100 years ago and was one of the first Federally Qualified Health Centers established in the nation. Located in neighborhoods where the most pressing need exists, our roots are steeped in service to underserved and uninsured residents, and building a safe, quality place for healthcare is our cornerstone. Learn more at About Foodlink: Foodlink is a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. We serve as the hub of the emergency food system across a 10-county service area. As a leading public health organization, Foodlink administers many programs and initiatives that aim to build the health and wealth of communities. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media:communications@ Sign in to access your portfolio
