Isabella has launched a healthy food access program led by a coordinated committee of community seniors. It is called Y.U.M. (Your Upper Manhattan) Food Program. Isabella, in partnership with GrowNYC, has been selected to be part of “Healthy Communities through Healthy Food” -- a national demonstration project managed by United Neighborhood Houses of New York with funding from the New York Community Trust and the Atlantic Philanthropies.
Through Y.U.M. neighborhood residents can plan balanced, nutritious meals. Y.U.M. food bundles are priced a little above wholesale and come in small, medium or large parcels filled with seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables. GrowNYC, the same organization that sponsors the popular Greenmarkets throughout the city, selects the produce at the farmers markets the same morning it is delivered to Isabella for packing and distribution.
Y.U.M. is a volunteer driven effort. Older adults already connected to Isabella through various community-based organizations such as NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) and the 50+ Club volunteer time and effort to the Food Project. They recruit, pack bundles and market the program in the community. But it is one thing to have access to good food and another to be able to prepare it in appetizing ways. Simple, easy to prepare vegetable recipes complete the packaging. As the program develops trained volunteers will be conducting cooking sessions using ethnic recipes.
Other partners are joining Isabella as distribution sites. Presently, the Isabella Senior Resource Center located at 167th street and Broadway is such a site. Soon churches and food pantries located throughout the area will be places where people can pick up a food bundle or have one delivered.
What distinguishes Y.U.M. from other food distribution programs is the vital part played by senior leadership. The volunteers know what people want, how much they are willing to pay and how best to deliver. Y.U.M. goes beyond providing nutritious food. Its offerings are in keeping with the cultural traditions of the Washington Heights neighborhoods. This results in people buying food familiar to them and sure to be enjoyed by their families.
The hope is that through the Y.U.M. health consciousness will increase and people will get into the habit of making good food choices. In addition, the senior leaders of the Y.U.M. are establishing themselves as leaders in other community programs and exerting their influence to address the needs of the Washington Heights population.
For more information on the Y.U.M. food program and how you can avail yourself of the fresh produce or volunteer as a senior leader please call 212-342-YUMM (9866).