Arnot Health supports cancer patients through special meal deliveries
Good nutrition is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, but especially to those undergoing cancer treatment. However, this population often lacks the energy to cook for themselves. Arnot Health’s Falck Cancer Center knows this first-hand and wanted to support their patients throughout their treatment beyond medical care.
In 2022, a partnership was formed between Falck Cancer Center, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Meals on Wheels of Chemung County. Together, they formed the Meals While You Heal program. Each partner agency brings a needed piece of the program. The Food Bank has access to good quality food. Meals on Wheels are the experts in food preparation and delivery. Arnot is the connection point to patients in need.
Meals While You Heal provides prepared, nutritionally balanced meals –– containing a protein, starch and vegetable –– that patients can simply heat when they’re ready. Meals on Wheels delivers the food to the facility where it is distributed by the staff so patients can take it home after their treatment. Falck Cancer Center staff share information with patients who might benefit from the program and reassure them that this is an appropriate part of their care plan. Meals While You Heal signs throughout the facility also make it easy for patients to self-refer.
Since 2022, more than 5,000 meals have been delivered to support the recovery of cancer patients. The addition of a permanent large freezer at the Falck Center has helped increase the meals they can provide. This community collaboration makes a definitive difference in the lives of patients. Staff have reported patients’ delighted reactions when meals arrive and their appreciation for one less thing to worry about during treatment.
For more information about this program, contact Catie Ball, MS, RDN, CDN, outpatient oncology dietitian, Falck Cancer Center, at 607.737.8116 or catherine.ball@arnothealth.org.
