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Food Stamp Nutrition and Education Program
In New York State, the nutrition education program is called Eat Smart New York! Nutrition education is free and the only thing it costs participants is their time. Classes are held at area cooperative extensions, individual homes, on-site agencies like senior centers or head start locations.
The 52 ESNY! projects have been very successful in helping food stamp applicants/recipients and other low-income workers obtain and maintain self-sufficiency by coordinating and providing an array of nutrition based transitional benefits. During FFY 2002, local FSNEP staff across the state made 275,250 contacts with low-income residents who are participating or eligible to participate in the food stamp program.
An annual conference is hosted by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to facilitate the exchange of information among projects as well as to promote the FSNEP mission statement of increasing food security and reducing hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.
The Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) is about building partnerships. FSNEP is a partnership between the Federal, State and County levels of government and with a myriad of community agencies and private businesses. FSNEP is a viable link in establishing self-sufficiency among families transitioning from welfare to work.