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NYC Aging and KPMG LLP Host Community Service Day to Promote Healthy Diets and Ways to Stay Civically Engaged
Older adults received Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupon booklets and additional resources to purchase nutritious food at a local Greenmarket
Participants learned about NYC Aging’s volunteer opportunities they can be a part of
New York, NY – In its ongoing efforts to support older New Yorkers’ access to healthy foods and opportunities to remain engaged in their communities, on Tuesday August 6, the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) and KPMG LLP hosted a Community Service event at Brooklyn Borough Hall. KPMG volunteers joined NYC Aging staff to host this exciting public-private collaboration, where attendees learned about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and the volunteer programs offered through NYC Aging.
At the event, KPMG volunteers were each matched with an older adult from the nearby Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens New Age Older Adult Center. Then, a presentation on NYC Aging’s Friendly Visiting Program took place, to inform older adults about opportunities to use their knowledge, talents, and skills to support their fellow New Yorkers.
In addition, each older adult received a Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupon booklet valued at $25, redeemable at participating farmers markets across the city. To supplement the coupon booklet, KPMG also provided each older adult with an additional $25 to help purchase even more fresh fruits and vegetables. Afterward, the pairs traveled together to the Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket, where they used their FMNP coupons and the $25 they received to buy fresh produce and other healthy offerings.
This event is part of KPMG’s annual Community Impact Day. In collaboration with the KPMG U.S. Foundation, KPMG employees participated in volunteer events around the country to support causes they are passionate about while addressing pressing needs of the local communities.
“Today, we brought residents together to highlight the supports available to help older adults age in the communities they have lived in their entire lives. The event showcased the power of a balanced diet and remaining active, all while coming together for a good cause,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “The event helped to foster new friendships and advanced our mission to reduce food insecurity among older adults. We are grateful for the support from all our volunteers who made this event a success and look forward to creating more opportunities to unite New Yorkers in the future.”
“Events like this embody the spirit of celebrating Brooklyn through service, and I am proud that Brooklyn Borough Hall was used for today’s program anchored in healthy living,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Thank you to NYC Aging and KPMG for providing older adults with tips for healthy eating and access to opportunities for continued civic engagement.”
“Today's event underscores the profound effect of meaningful partnerships on enhancing the lives of older New Yorkers," expressed Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens and affiliates. "The Farmers Market Nutrition Program event highlights New York City's dedication to its older adults, and the participation of volunteers and generous donors exemplifies the significance of collective commitment and community involvement.”
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the New York City Department of Aging in support of providing educational resources and access to locally grown fruits and vegetables to the community through the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program,” Lorna Stark, KPMG US Line of Business Leader, Government & Healthcare, said. “At KPMG, we’re committed to volunteering and giving back to the communities where we live and work. We actively seek out opportunities like this to work with organizations that align with our values and believe we can make a broader impact together.”
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About The Department for the Aging
The Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) mission is to eliminate ageism and create a community-care approach that offers residents continued access to programs and resources that bolster their physical and mental well-being. Through a network of over 300 older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities, NYC Aging provides support and services that allow the nearly 1.8 million older New Yorkers to continue living independently in their communities.