Nutrition Education

Improving New Yorkers' Nutrition:

Combat Obesity and Disease with Vital Veggies!
Poor nutrition is a serious problem affecting New Yorkers, especially among low-income populations. This is especially important in New York State where the level of nutrition-related disease is significant: over half a million New Yorkers are diabetic; heart attacks are the leading cause of death among New York women; more than 2 million adults suffer from, or are at risk of, osteoporosis (New York State Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy). The problem of obesity has been steadily increasing: the percentage of American children who are obese has doubled since the mid 1980s. Currently 20 per cent of New York school children are overweight, higher than the national average. African American and Latino children have even higher percentages of obesity and are at greater risk of obesity-related diseases as a result. (NYS Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy).

While nutrition-related disease and obesity are increasing, the availability of affordable fresh produce is dismal in many areas. Research shows that there are fewer supermarkets located in low-income areas than in wealthier communities. For instance, according to a 1995 study conducted by the University of Connecticut’s Food Marketing Policy Center, there are 30% fewer supermarkets in low-income areas than in higher-income areas in 21 major metropolitan areas across the U.S. As a result, many people rely on neighborhood markets, which often offer fewer food choices at higher prices than supermarkets. This in turn means less access to healthy foods for lower-income Americans. Not surprisingly, our low-income members and Emergency Food Providers have expressed concern that they usually cannot buy fresh produce, because it is either unavailable or it is too expensive.

For this reason, Hunger Action is increasing access to healthy food through the development of community food programs across the state including rooftop/community/container gardens, food rescue, low income CSAs, and gleaning surplus farm produce. Along with increasing availability of wholesome food, informing communities on the health benefits of fresh produce and how to make it a part of their diets is essential to improving their nutrition. Click on the links below to view important hunger facts and resources that can be downloaded for distribution in your community or Emergency Food Program.

Nutrition Education Resources for Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens:
Free Recipes and On-Site Cooking Demonstrations!

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Teaching healthful eating and shopping practices for low income families. Find out more!

OTDA's New Website on the Food Stamp and Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP)! Site includes recipes, shopping tips, and FSNEP county contacts

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables The "Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables" Project (JSY), in partnership with organizations that serve the food insecure, is dedicated to improving the health and nutritional status of food stamp eligible populations in New York State. The Project accomplishes this by providing comprehensive nutrition education programs for food pantry operators and food stamp eligible populations accessing these food pantries.

News on Nutrition:

"Obesity, Poverty, and the Case for Community Supported Agriculture" is a paper that provides an overview of obesity in our state and nation, analyzes the link between poverty and obesity, and highlights how CSAs help address this growing concern.

Facts about Cholesterol
Facts about Diabetes
The Health Benefits of Organic Food
The Paradox of Hunger and Obesity in America A joint analysis released by the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis University and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) shows how hunger and obesity not only pose separate and distinct health risks, but also can co-exist in the same household.

Need to know more about nutrition programs available in NY state? Contact us with your questions.

Website revisions funded in part by the Indirect Vitamin Purchasers Antitrust Litigation Settlement administered by the Attorney General