Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page contains answers to common questions that the SNAP-Ed NY team receives. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us here.
SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program) is a federally funded program that teaches people how to shop for and cook healthy meals on a limited budget. SNAP-Ed focuses on good nutrition, stretching food dollars, living physically active lifestyles, and engaging partners to build healthier communities. This helps to ensure the healthy choice is the easiest choice to make where people live, work, shop, play, eat, and learn.
SNAP-Ed New York is the name of the SNAP-Ed Program in New York state. SNAP-Ed NY was previously called Eat Smart New York.
In New York State this program is coordinated by the NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance and is administered by a network of state and local providers.
SNAP-Ed NY teaches tips, tricks, ideas, and recipes to help save time, save money, and eat healthy on a limited budget. We offer programs throughout the state that discuss how to plan and prepare meals with whatever resources you may have. We also talk about staying active and little changes that can make a big difference in your overall health. Our programs are designed for individuals, families with children, and older adults.
We provide our programs for FREE in lots of different community spaces, schools, and on-line.
We work with:
- Local Departments of Social Services
- Public Health Offices
- Nutrition Outreach Education Offices
- Food Banks/Pantries/Soup Kitchens
- Community based Health Centers
- Transitional Housing
- Adult Education/BOCES
- Employment Centers
- Libraries
- Faith based Organizations
- Community based Organizations
- Cornell Cooperative Extensions
- Community Action Agencies
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps). SNAP provides monthly benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families to buy food.
SNAP-Ed NY does not have programming to assist with enrolling in SNAP benefits. However, you can visit the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) website for more information on how to apply for SNAP, locations for Department of Social Services, NYC SNAP Centers, and Outreach Providers: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#snap
Additionally, here are other sites that offer information and assistance with SNAP benefits:
- My Benefits website: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin
- Local Department of Social Services (DSS): https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp
- New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA): https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/
- NY Connects is your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about long term services and supports in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability.
- Hunger Solutions: SNAP – Hunger Solutions New York (hungersolutionsny.org)
In many locations, there are community agencies that can assist in applying for benefits, as well as emergency food programs you can connect with. We encourage you to contact your local offices for more assistance and support.
