In partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, we have named Foodnet Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Jessica Gosa, as the June 2021 recipient of the Community Hero of the Month Award, which recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community.
Foodnet Meals on Wheels provides meals and other nutrition services to older adults and other persons in need in Tompkins County and is the only local agency that delivers hot meals directly to clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica and her team expanded the organization’s services to meet the growing needs of the community at a time of severe food insecurity by launching a new program that provided emergency bulk meals to local individuals and families of any age in quarantine.
Jennifer Tavares, President and CEO of the Tompkins Chamber, stated, “We are honored to recognize Jessica Gosa for a job well done – particularly during the last year, as she has led Foodnet and our community through so many food insecurity issues. Foodnet has served not only our senior neighbors, but expanded services to all who needed food access due to isolation during the pandemic.”
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz added, “We are pleased to bestow this award to Jessica who, along with her team, has provided critical and expanded services to our community throughout this difficult year.” Hartz added, “On behalf of the Trust Company, I would like to thank Jessica for her exceptional work.”
Jessica has more than 15 years of leadership experience within the areas of healthcare, mental health, human services, and aging services. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Shepherd University and her master's in social work from the State University of New York at Albany where she also completed a John A. Hartford Gerontology fellowship. Additionally, Jessica serves as the President of the Meals on Wheels New York State Association.
Jessica will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.