Press Releases

DFTA, in Partnership with NYCHA, Distributes Herb Plants and Nutrition Gift Bags to 500 Older New Yorkers in NYCHA Developments

Plant and gift bag distribution is part of health initiative that will also provide free nutrition education workshops for older NYCHA residents.

New York, NY – Today, about 500 older New Yorkers in NYCHA housing developments in the Bronx and Manhattan received free herb plants and nutrition gift bags from the New York City Department for the Aging in an initiative done in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority. Today’s distribution is part of DFTA’s ongoing work to help older New Yorkers stay healthy and socially engaged. Along with providing the herbal potted plant and gift bag, DFTA staff and providers will be providing free nutrition education workshops to each recipient.

“Nutrition and social engagement have always been important for older New Yorkers, but now it is especially critical,” said Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez. “These fresh herbs, along with the nutrition workshop provided by DFTA staff, will provide older New Yorkers with tips, information and resources on how to stay healthy.”

“We are pleased to partner with DFTA on this important initiative,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Greg Russ. “Providing these herb plants to older NYCHA residents, as well as nutrition information and workshops, will help our residents stay healthy and socially engaged, while fresh herbs and gardening can increase the quality of life at NYCHA developments.”

Distribution of the herbal plants took place this morning in the Bronx River Houses, Jackson Houses and Morrisannia Houses in the Bronx, and in the UPACA 5 and 6 Houses and the LaGuardia Houses in Manhattan. Each recipient received an herb plant, which was either rosemary, sage or thyme, and a gift bag that included nutrition education and gardening items.

The herb plant distribution will help recipients learn more about plant care, nutrition and keep them socially engaged and connected. In addition, DFTA will be providing several nutrition education virtual workshops in late September that will cover gardening tips, healthy meal preparation and general nutrition information.

For more information on DFTA services and resources, visit nyc.gov/aging, or call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

About the Department for the Aging
The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.7 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the United States.