Food as Medicine: Local Partnership Brings Produce and Pantry Staples to Healthcare Settings

Cayuga Health, an affiliate of Cenetralus Health, is proud to announce a new partnership with the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County to provide free produce and pantry staples at Cayuga Health's Community Cupboards, located within the medical offices at the Ithaca Mall (40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca) and Cayuga Park (401 Cayuga Park Lane, Ithaca).  

Originally launched in 2024, the Community Cupboards promote food access as an important part of healthcare and reduce barriers to fresh, nutrient-dense foods. Now, after 2 successful years, Cayuga Health will work with the YMCA to ensure the longevity of this project as the new stewards of the Community Cupboards at both Ithaca Mall and Cayuga Park. The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County brings deep experience in community health and food security efforts, including operating one of the largest community food hubs in Tompkins County, serving well over 350 families each week. With established community partnerships, volunteer networks, and food sources (such as Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Friendship Donation Network), the YMCA is well positioned to enhance food access alongside its community efforts across Tompkins County. 

"We are proud to build on Cayuga Health's strong foundation and deepen our strategic partnership through this important initiative," said Gunnar Madison, Regional Executive Director of the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County. "Nutrition security is fundamental to overall wellbeing. By working together to integrate food access into healthcare settings, we are advancing a shared vision that strengthens community health and ensures individuals and families across Tompkins County have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food." 

"At Cayuga Health, we are committed to caring for our communities. Beyond high quality healthcare services, we all need access to affordable, nutritious, culturally relevant foods in order to live healthy lives," said Julia Ressler, Manager for the Cayuga Health Center for Health Equity Transformation. "When we think of food as medicine, we're able to address the root causes of chronic medical conditions rather than just the symptoms. We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the YMCA to offer food on-site at some of our medical locations. Working together with a network of community partners, we can make sure everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest lives." 

The Community Cupboards will be open every other Tuesday from 11:30am – 5:30pm with YMCA staff and volunteers available to assist attendees and answer questions.  For anyone interested in using the Community Cupboards, please drop in during these hours. You may be asked to complete a 1-page intake form at your first visit. This form captures basic contact info and voluntary demographic data that can increase resources and future funding for the Cupboards. If you need food and cannot get to these locations during these hours, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for a list of other food resources in our community.