The New York State Department of Health has announced a $105,000 state grant through the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) to Long Island Cares, Inc. to provide the “Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables” program for the Long Island Region, effective July 1, 2012.
“Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables” (JSY) is one of New York State’s premier nutrition education services available to low income families. JSY is a nutrition education initiative designed to prevent overweight/obesity and reduce long term chronic disease risks through the promotion of increased fruit and vegetable consumption. The program receives statewide federal funding through the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) project, with local cost share funds coming from the New York State Department of Health (HPNAP) program. SNAP-Ed is a federal/state partnership that supports nutrition education for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Using nutrition education workshops and food demonstrations, JSY works to ensure low-income families in New York eat nutritious foods, make the most of their food budgets and prepare foods in a safe manner. Each workshop provides practical nutrition information using USDA approved lesson plans, recipes and cooking demonstrations using fruits and vegetables.
“We’re very excited about this new program opportunity to assist both the community and our member agencies to promote access to fruits and vegetables, and certainly appreciate the ongoing support of our partners at the New York State Department of Health,” said Paule Pachter, Executive Director. “We’re delighted that Dana John-Goodrich will be joining our staff. I know that our local emergency food programs, pantries, soup kitchens and SNAP outreach programs will benefit greatly from her expertise and the many workshops and demonstrations that our food bank will be able to offer through the JSY program,” said Kristine Lehn, Director of Agency Relations.
