Foodnet Meals on Wheels Helps Seniors Get Quality Nutrition

Longtime financial professional Keefe Gorman has worked with investment firm Merrill Lynch since 1987. In addition to his career in finance with Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman spent 8 years as a board member for the organization Foodnet/Meals on Wheels of Thompkins County.

Foodnet/Meals on Wheels offers a wide variety of plans to eligible clients in order to provide them with healthy and balanced meals. Elderly individuals aged 60 and over are particularly vulnerable to problems related to inadequate nutrition, whether due to a lack of ability to cook or shop for themselves, no access to facilities to cook, or other factors. Around 90 percent of elderly adults have chronic conditions or diseases that are related to poor nutrition, and nearly 40 percent of elderly adults living in the community do not have adequate intake of food and nutrition.

Lack of access to quality food and a balanced intake of nutrients contribute to failing health and an ability to function independently in this demographic. Foodnet/Meals on Wheels helps to combat this lack of quality nutrition in older adults, increasing their health and well-being. With a full-time registered dietician on staff, health and nutrition is a constant focus. The program offers nutrition risk assessments on an annual basis, individual nutrition counseling, and coordination with primary care physicians and other resources within the community. There are four different plans available, and any plan can be customized to meet specific individual needs.

Though patrons are encouraged to make voluntary donations, no individual in need of food services will be turned away due to a lack of ability to pay.

Foodnet Dietician Oversees Distribution of Nutritious Meals

Foodnet Meals on Wheels
Image: foodnet.org

 

A top-ranked financial advisor, Keefe Gorman is the managing director of investments for Merrill Lynch. Keefe Gorman is heavily involved in efforts to serve his community and has served on the boards of several charitable organizations. As an eight-year member of the board of directors for Foodnet Meals on Wheels, he dedicated his time and expertise to helping the elderly in Tompkins County, New York.

Foodnet Meals on Wheels has worked to promote the dignity and well-being of the elderly in Tompkins County since 1987. According to Foodnet, about 40% of older adults do not receive adequate nutrition, thereby increasing their risk for serious chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. The organization’s efforts to provide nutritious meals help people to avoid these conditions and continue to live independently.

Foodnet employs a full-time dietician who oversees all the nutritional aspects of the Meals on Wheels program. In addition to providing an initial home visitation to determine eligibility, the dietician also provides individual nutrition counseling and provides referrals to other programs to help clients stay independent. In 2014, nearly 175,000 healthy, balanced meals were provided to area residents.

Keefe Gorman- Foodnet Meals on Wheels

One of the Consumers’ Research Council of America Top Financial Planners, Keefe Gorman advises clients on wealth management issues. Active in charitable endeavors, Keefe Gorman supports Foodnet Meals on Wheels.

Aiding citizens throughout Tompkins County, New York, Foodnet Meals on Wheels provides older adults with two meals every day. For nearly 50 years, this organization has fought hunger and promoted independent living. More than 500 people utilize this service to receive adequate nutrition at their homes daily.

Along with other Meals on Wheels programs, Foodnet Meals on Wheels participates in “March for Meals.” Developed by the Meals on Wheels Association of America, this initiative utilizes the month of March to bring awareness to issues such as senior hunger and to inspire others to support its cause. As part of this national endeavor, Foodnet Meals on Wheels celebrated Community Champions Week in mid-March. The week concluded on March 22 with the Mac ‘N Cheese Bowl at Ithaca High School. Local restaurants including the Lansing Market; Harbor Inn, Restaurant & Brewing; and Cornell Dining donated their best macaroni and cheese to this contest. Proceeds from the event went to Foodnet Meals on Wheels.