Eat Smart New York (ESNY)

This program is provided in cooperation with Dutchess County Department of Social Services. Funding for this program originates from the federal level, and targets youth and families through out Dutchess County. We make extra special effort to reach special populations such as Hispanics, Senior Citizens, disabled persons and people with HIV, among others. The program is focused on individuals or families that receive food stamps as a means of reaching those most in need.

Participants in FNW programs receive nutrition education via a series of lessons provided by nutrition educators. We also provide on-going group classes for agencies and organizations whose clients are eligible to participate in our programs.

Evaluation and education activities are performed by Nutrition Program Educators with oversight by a Registered Dietitian. Specific assessment and documentation tools have been prepared and are used to analyze a person’s or family’s diets and determine areas most in need of education. Lesson plans and curricula have been prepared for specific audiences and specific topics by various qualified organizations across the nation.

Topics are individualized for the participant(s) based on an assessment of their knowledge and needs. Topics may include:

Using the Food Guide Pyramid
Planning Meals and Snacks
Budgeting Food Dollars
Reading Food Labels
Preventing Chronic Diseases
Feeding a Young Child
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding
Practicing Food Safety and Sanitation in the Home
Among many others…
Referring a Client to NIP