“The heart of our program is making sure that not only people who need meals receive the meals… but is also providing a place for our seniors to have a way to reach out and communicate,” Collazo said.Īs many had more limited contact with loved ones than usual during lockdown, in addition to the added health risk, the organization worked to meet the needs outside of food service - to nourish minds and souls as well as the body. Though JASA has been serving Queens’ community for decades - 355 clients per day - the pandemic laid bare the depth and breadth of their clients' needs, especially as COVID-19 spurred isolation, the organization said. The agency uses additional funding from grants and fundraisers like the cookbook to expand their deliveries from one hot meal a day to snacks like soup, produce and fruit.įor older adults who might have smaller appetites, Collazo said those snacks often become a second meal and provide additional nutrition.

“Yes, food insecurity is paramount but more important in some ways is for them to have a way to reach out and talk, and for them to feel like they're engaged with the outside world.” “We realized this is part of their health,” Collazo added. “I think the food and recipe book serve to - something we all have in common and can come together over is food.” “JASA Eats is absolutely created to raise awareness about food insecurity and funds critical to provide meals, bolstering meals,“ said Tania Collazo, JASA’s Queens home delivered meals program director. “JASA Eats” features nearly 100 pages of recipes with dishes across cultures submitted by chefs, dietitians, influencers and community members.

New York City nonprofit organization JASA launched a recipe book earlier this month to fundraise and foster community during the new year.

Making It by Jasa