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NYC Aging Hosts Second Annual Plant-Forward Cook-Off

Cooking competition features the high-quality meals older New Yorkers can receive at their local older adult center

Three celebrity chefs served as judges for the cook-off

New York, NY – At The Venue at City Harvest in Brooklyn, the Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) hosted its second annual Plant-Forward Cook-Off. Eight chefs from older adult centers prepared meals they would serve New Yorkers that not only were nutritious, but incorporated the cultural heritage and traditions of the communities they work in. Three celebrity judges decided the winner of this year’s competition.

“Today’s competition showcased how nutritious food made available to older New Yorkers can also be colorful and taste delicious. By offering cooking lessons, hosting seminars on maintaining a good nutrition diet, and serving healthy meals, the city’s older adult centers are staying true to their mission of elevating the well-being of members—many of whom depend on their local OACs to provide these high-quality foods and services,” said NYC Deputy Mayor Dr. Helen Arteaga.

“We were once again thrilled to bring chefs from our network of older adult centers together for the opportunity to show off their talents,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “Older New Yorkers should know that when they need a meal, they can receive one that is just as good at an older adult center as their local restaurant, that also meets their cultural and dietary needs. Thank you to everyone who made today’s competition a great success.”

The celebrity judges this year were Abigail Hitchcock, owner of Abigail's Kitchen; Jay Kumar, owner and chef of LORE; and Watt Sriboonruang, head chef at Rawsome Treats. The dishes were from a variety of cultures including Polish, Korean, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and South Asian.

This year’s winners were:

  1. Korean Community Services Corona Older Adult Center - Vegetable Bibimbap
  2. Council of People's Organizations Halal Older Adult Center - Chickpea Curry Medley
  3. Bronxworks Morris Older Adult Center - Dominican Vegan Sancocho

NYC Aging remains committed to reducing food insecurity among older adults, serving over 10 million meals annually to residents, at older adult centers and through the home delivered meals program. Meals are catered to the communities they serve, offering a variety of options that meet older New Yorkers dietary needs and traditions. For more information, visit nyc.gov/aging or call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

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About NYC Aging:
The NYC Department for the Aging’s mission is to eliminate ageism and empower older adults to live independently in their communities. Through a network of more than 300 older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities, NYC Aging provides programs and resources for nearly 1.8 million older New Yorkers.