Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY)
Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY) is a Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture with matching funds from the New York State Department of Health. JSY is a collaborative effort between the New York State Department of Health’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (RFBNENY).
JSY, in partnership with organizations that serve hungry people, is dedicated to improving the health and nutritional status of Food Stamp recipients in New York State. The Project accomplishes this goal by providing comprehensive nutrition education programs for Food Stamp recipients and applicants at locations such as food pantries, shelters, and various other community sites throughout New York State.
Eating fruits and vegetables every day can reduce the risk of chronic disease and illness, yet many low-income households have a difficult time obtaining and using fruits and vegetables. JSY increases the awareness of the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. The program helps individuals and families who use food stamps gain the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy food choices. JSY nutritionists provide practical fruit and vegetable nutrition education sessions at various community sites, and bring the supplies needed to conduct the classes. They emphasize the use of frozen, canned and dried products, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Every JSY presentation includes easy, low-cost recipes, a sample tasting of a recipe made with the featured fruit or vegetable, and tips and ideas for planning and preparing delicious, healthy meals.
For more information visit the Just Say Yes Web site
Food Stamp Prescreening
Since 1987, the Nutrition Consortium of NYS has administered the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) under contract with the New York State Department of Health. The fundamental goal of NOEP is to increase the availability and utilization of federal nutrition assistance programs as a means to ensure better nutrition and reduce the incidence of hunger among low-income populations. In order to achieve this goal, the Nutrition Consortium subcontracts with community-based agencies to conduct outreach at the local level to promote fuller implementation and utilization of federal nutrition programs in underserved areas across the state.
As the nation’s premier defense against hunger, food stamps have proven to be a benefit to both families and local businesses. They provide hunger relief for people with low incomes, and stimulate economic activity by bringing federal food stamp dollars into local communities.
For more information or for a confidential prescreening, contact one of the NOEP programs near you:
Albany County
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY
55 Colvin Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518-689-6327 / 800-462-2922 x327
Clinton County
Joint Council on Economic Opportunity
54 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-561-6310 x339
Columbia County
Columbia County Healthcare
325 Columbia Street
Hudson, NY 12534
518-822-9600 / 800-980-5530
Delaware County
Delaware Opportunities
35430 State Highway 10
Hamden, NY 13782
607-746-1670
Greene County
Columbia County Healthcare
325 Columbia Street
Hudson, NY 12534
518-822-9600 / 800-980-5530
Orange County
Catholic Charities Community Services
Archdiocese of New York
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
914-476-4242
Rensselaer County
Unity House of Troy, Inc.
2431 Sixth Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
518-272-2352 x3
Schenectady County
Catholic Charities of Schenectady
818 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
518-374-2427
Warren County
Warren-Hamilton Community
Action Program
190 Maple St., PO Box 968
Glens Falls, NY 12801
518-793-0636
Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus
Did you know that the children your agency serves are all potentially eligible for free or low cost health insurance through New York State’s Child Health Plus program? This program covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medicine, emergency care, well-baby care visits, teenage health care needs, and more.
There are many organizations in your neighborhood that can help your clients apply for Child Health Plus or Medicaid. Their staff members, called facilitated enrollers, are friendly, experienced, and available when you need them to answer your questions – even on nights and weekends!
For more information, call 1-800-698-4543 or visit the Child Health Plus website.
