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 New York Programming to Conclude Following Elimination of Federal Funding
After more than 30 years of providing nutrition education and supporting healthy food access in communities across New York State, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) New York initiative will formally conclude operations on September 30, 2026.
The conclusion of SNAP-Ed NY follows the elimination of federal funding for SNAP-Ed, effective September 30, 2025, under federal legislation enacted in 2025. In New York State, remaining funds allowed for a gradual wind-down of programming through 2026. As a result, programming has already been reduced and will officially end at the close of the federal fiscal year on September 30.
As a federally funded program, SNAP-Ed NY combined practical, evidence-based nutrition education with broader efforts to make healthy choices easier and more accessible. Working alongside schools, food pantries, farmers markets, older adult programs, healthcare and social service organizations, and many other community partners, SNAP-Ed NY supported changes to policies, systems, and community environments.
In 2025 alone, SNAP-Ed NY reached approximately 1.8 million New Yorkers through more than 35,000 workshops delivered at over 900 sites and in collaboration with more than 1,500 community partners. Participants learned hands-on skills related to preparing healthy meals, shopping on a budget, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, being physically active, and accessing nutritious foods. Among participants evaluated, 58% improved their fruit intake and 58% improved their vegetable intake.
The end of SNAP-Ed funding represents more than the conclusion of individual classes and programs. Over many years, SNAP-Ed NY built relationships and infrastructure within communities across the state, connecting nutrition education with trusted organizations and resources that support the health and well-being of New Yorkers.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the educators, community partners, and participants who have made SNAP-Ed NY a meaningful and impactful program. Their contributions have helped New Yorkers build practical skills, connect with resources, and make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
As SNAP-Ed NY programming comes to a close, we encourage community members to stay connected with local organizations for information about available programs and resources. Existing SNAP-Ed NY materials and resources will remain available online for as long as possible.
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.
Click here to open our FY 2025 Impact Report.
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Click here to open our FY 2023 Impact Report.
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.
