The Nutrition & Health Program Area helps New York City residents of all ages make informed decisions about food and nutrition, health and fitness, resource management, food safety, parenting and health care.

We work closely with our partners to provide community nutrition and health education to targeted adults, children and families. We reach into communities at many levels to make that happen, and support professional development opportunities that compliment our efforts.

Our major programs are:

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which provides culturally sensitive, hands-on interactive 8-10 workshops series to help families:

• Learn to use their food dollars more easily
• Make accurate, healthy nutrition choices
• Incorporate positive health behaviours into their daily lives

Eat Smart New York! (ESNY), which provides similar nutrition and health workshop series to food stamp recipients and applicants in New York City and across the state. This program enables participants to make healthier food choices within limited budgets. Participants are reached via partnerships with New York City’s many community based organizations including emergency food assistance programs and food nutrition learning center partners.

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Education Program, which brings Nutrition and Health Education to Farmers’ Markets through simple hot and cold cooking demonstrations featuring local grown fruits and vegetables donated by market farmers.

During 2008:

• 3,737 adults, representing 11,076 family members, participated in our EFNEP and ESNY Programs.
• 3,253 (87%) of those participating adults graduated their series of lessons.
• 2,791 participating youth received education designed to increase awareness of healthy eating and the benefits of being physically active.
• 30 college level or above students supported our nutrition and health programs working as volunteers/interns.