CANTON -- Small changes can make a big difference. SNAPEdNY.org is a one-stop destination for providing those in need with the tools to shop for and cook healthy meals while on a limited budget.

“Our team of knowledgeable nutrition educators provide practical, hands-on activities and skills for healthy meal prep, as well as explore the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle for the community members in the North Country,” said Cassondra Caswell, CCE of SLC Health and Nutrition team leader & SNAP-Ed NY Project manager for the North Country Region. “The primary focus of our classes is to promote food resource management skills, encourage healthy food and physical activity behaviors, increase consumption of nutrient dense foods, and develop skills to prepare low-cost, nutrient-dense recipes through food demonstrations.”

The new website is designed with the current times in mind, providing low-cost recipes, simple cooking videos, interactive lessons and tons of ways to save time, save money and eat healthy.

COVID-19 is creating financial hardships and challenging times for so many members of our community. It’s important to know that SNAP-Ed New York teams across the state are here to help you. The newly launched website features monthly recipes that are simple, low cost and easy to make. Recipes can be printed or downloaded with a full shopping list to make life a little bit easier.

While visiting the website you can watch a cooking video on how to make your own salad dressing, get your kids involved in cooking, take part in a virtual lesson and/or find tips on how to eat healthy on a budget. There is something for everyone, including a map that will help you locate an educator and program in your area.

“Eating healthy and exercising regularly are simple methods for decreasing the likelihood of chronic health conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. The SNAP-Ed program is committed to ensuring New Yorkers have access to quality resources that promote healthy eating and good nutrition. This website will help educate New Yorkers on the basic steps they can take toward healthier lifestyles, helping to improve the wellness of individuals and families.” – Lisa Irving, NYS Coordinator of SNAP Nutrition Education and Outreach, OTDA.

SNAP-Ed NY empowers you to make nutritious food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles. SNAP-Ed New York in the North Country region operates under Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County and covers Franklin, Essex, Clinton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. The diverse team of educators can be found working with schools, families, community agencies and local government to provide you with tools and tips to keep you, your family, and your neighbors healthy now and in the future.

“During these unprecedented times we are very aware of the struggles that are existing within our communities. Job insecurity, food insecurity, family and financial struggles are happening with so many of our neighbors. SNAP-Ed in the Hudson Valley, and around the state, are working hard to connect with those who need it. The new website www.snapedny.org is a small change that may make a big difference during this time.” – Shayna Russo SNAP-Ed NY Project Manager.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships provide programs for St. Lawrence County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to St. Lawrence County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities. For more information call 315-379-9192 or visit www.stlawrence.cce.cornell.edu.

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