Nutrition

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven of the ten leading causes of death in the United States are linked to poor diets. The New York State Department of Health Division of Nutrition's mission is to create an environment that empowers New Yorkers to make healthy eating and physical activity choices.

The Division of Nutrition serves:

• low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding and new mothers, infants, and preschool children
• school-age children who live in high-risk areas
• people in need of emergency food assistance
• adults at risk for chronic disease
• persons with AIDS
• the frail elderly, children up to age 18, and functionally impaired adults in day care

Nutrition Programs

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program
• Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP)
• Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY)
• Growing Up Healthy Hotline

Nutrition-Related Information

• Resources for Child Care Staff and Parents
  • USDA Resources
• Eating Disorders
• Guidelines for Healthy Meetings
• iChoose600^® – choosing lower calorie meals at fast food restaurants
• Nutrition Data and Statistics
• Sodium Reduction
  • Reducing Sodium Consumption at Universities and Colleges in New York State, 2016-2021 (PDF)
  • Reducing Sodium Consumption at Early Childhood Education Centers in New York State, 2016-2021 (PDF)
• USDA Core Nutrition Messages
• Eat Smart New York

North Carolina filmed a trip through the grocery store to provide tips on making healthier food and drink choices

Other New York State Programs

myBenefits

New York State offers the "myBenefits" program. It's a fast and easy way to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them - anytime and anywhere.

Visit the mybenefits website to find out more about WIC and other New York State programs and services. By entering household information, you will receive a list of programs for which you may be eligible.

ACCESS NYC

Do you live in New York City? ACCESS NYC is a free service that identifies and screens for over 30 City, State and Federal human service benefit programs. This service is available in many different languages.

You can use the ACCESS NY Public Health Insurance Eligibility Screening Tool to see which public health insurance programs you and your family may be eligible for. One application can be used to apply for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, Medicaid and the Family Planning Benefit Program.

Visit the Access NYC website for more information.

To report waste, fraud and abuse in a Division of Nutrition food program, visit the Bureau of Special Investigations' web page for more information.