Rotary Club Supports New Food Program for Cancer Patients

COOPERSTOWN—A ceremonial check in the amount of $4,000.00 was presented at the November 19 meeting of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown to support an innovative, first-in-the-region partnership between Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cancer Institute and the Cooperstown Food Pantry that delivers free, nutritious food to cancer patients in need across the region, relieving them of added financial pressure as they receive treatment.

The matching grant, made up of a $2,000.00 grant from Central New York Rotary and a $2,000.00 grant from the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, will help the program continue and grow, officials said in a press release.

“In a significant way, food is medicine,” said Mark Kirkby, program coordinator at the Bassett Cancer Institute. “It’s important that we don’t overlook or downplay the impact nutrition has on the body. Often when our patients come in for treatment, they’re struggling, tired and facing a lot of financial pressure. When a person is dealing with rising expenses, their food budget is often where they cut back. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Cooperstown Food Pantry, which allows us to ensure that our patients continue to fuel their recovery.”