Farm-To-Table Initiative

What is Community Elderly Partnership?

Community Elderly Partnership (CEP) exists to bridge generations and support local elders in Ithaca. By connecting student volunteers with long-term care residents at Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, we foster meaningful intergenerational relationships, combat social isolation, and enrich the lives of both seniors and students. At CEP, our mission is to facilitate relationships, interaction, and mutual learning between students and elders in the Ithaca community with love and care.

About Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing

Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is a long-term care facility for seniors in the heart of Ithaca. As an underfunded nursing home, Beechtree faces financial constraints that often limit extra amenities or specialized programming, and this is something CEP has historically focused on providing.

Despite the importance of fresh produce as a natural source of nutrients, Beechtree has struggled to provide fresher foods and flavors to the residents. In speaking with residents, they shared their desire for fresh, non-canned fruits and vegetables, and for opportunities to be involved in the cooking process as a path to socialization and connection.

Our partnership: The Generational Garden and the Farm-To-Table Initiative

To address these needs, CEP is taking an exciting new step by partnering with Dilmun Hill Student Farm, a student-led farm on Cornell's campus dedicated to providing locally grown produce to the community. Through this collaboration, we are bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers directly from the farm to Beechtree residents. Our initiative addresses:

1. Intergenerational community – preparing and sharing food fosters social interaction between residents, staff, and students.
2. Nutritional health and well-being – fresh produce supports the holistic well-being of all residents.
3. Dignity and quality of life – ensuring that all people, regardless of age or health status, have access to fresh, healthy food.

Your impact

We have already seen major success in this partnership, but we urgently need your support to continue serving the elders in our community through this spring and into the next growing season. 100% of the funds raised will go directly toward essential agricultural supplies, including seeds, harvesting tools, crates, storage equipment, delivery supplies, and transportation from the farm to Beechtree. With your support, we can build a lasting model of intergenerational care in our community. 

Please consider donating today to sustain our partnership and provide nutritious food to Ithaca's elders!

Meet the team! 

Castine, Co-President
My favorite thing about CEP is meeting others who are as passionate as I am about fighting elder social injustices!John, Co-President
My favorite memory is the Halloween visit where everyone dressed up in costumes and spent time with residents. I enjoyed seeing the smiles and conversations that started from residents asking about our outfits!Natalie, Vice President
My favorite part of CEP is hearing about residents' life stories. I love learning about their children, pets, and favorite foods - and I also really appreciate their valuable life lessons on believing in myself and taking time for self-care.

Eileen, Education Chair
My favorite CEP memory has been being able to take our 'International Day of Older Persons' tabling trifold to the elderly residents at Beechtree!Ben, Treasurer
My favorite CEP memory is my first-ever visit to Beechtree and seeing how happy all the residents were to see us!Anna, Secretary
My favorite thing about CEP is how welcoming it is to anyone who wants to join. At college, even clubs can be competitive, so CEP is a great place where anyone who wants to give back to the community has the opportunity to do so!Gloria, Care Coordinator
My favorite CEP memory is going apple picking together and donated those apples to Beechtree!Emily, Publicity Chair
My favorite memory from being part of CEP is getting to spend time directly with the elderly, listening to their stories, and learning about them. I love being able to keep them company, making them feel heard and valued, and find little ways to bring a smile to their faces!Peggy, Activities Chair
My favorite thing about CEP is being able to bring the monthly art activities from the art museum to Beechtree - and learning from our community partners!

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.