State of New York to Spend $75M on Senior Nutrition

31 Aug 2016 --- New York State will invest $74.6 million into community efforts aimed at improving senior nutrition.

New York State Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, has announced that $74.6 million in state and federal funding for New York's 59 county-based area agencies on aging, will be spent on support programs that improve older individuals' access to nutritional and disease prevention services.

The services currently support more than 238,000 older New Yorkers, and aim to prevent or reduce the effect of chronic disease associated with diet and weight, as well as strengthening the link between nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle and improving access to nutritional information, education, counseling, and healthy foods. 

The broad range of nutrition services supported by this program aim to combat these trends. 

The services will help provide healthy dining options for 175,000 older adults annually, home-deliver nutritious meals for 62,000 older individuals annually, offer nutrition counseling, education, and health promotion services for more than 300,000 older adults every year, and provide assistance with applying for other benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to combat hunger and improve health outcomes.

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "Governor Cuomo’s leadership and commitment to combating hunger for all New Yorkers is unparalleled. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health, and New York consistently ranks at the top nationally in providing nutritious meals to older adults in need. For older New Yorkers who may have difficulty shopping and preparing meals, are in need of guidance regarding their diets for medical reasons, or can benefit from a social environment with access to other services and benefits, this program is essential."