Food and Nutrition Programs in Communities
FOR DELAWARE COUNTY FAMILIES, SENIORS AND YOUTH INCLUDE 
Eat Smart New York (ESNY) and the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). These are two free home-based programs for income eligible or limited income families and seniors. ESNY is for individuals and families with children who use Food Stamps, and for families whose children participate in their schools Free or Reduced Meal Plan.
These programs promote positive nutrition practices, encourage wise use of personal and environmental resources, secure access to nutrition and safe food, and foster food security in communities.
Program Educators are available to help income eligible individuals and families throughout Delaware County stretch their food dollars to feed themselves and their families better. Lessons can take place in the participants’ homes or worksites as well as at community centers. Newsletters and other resources are also available.
NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES
New Dietary Guidelines released in 2005 include new recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity. Cornell Cooperative Extension is delivering programs and workshops to community, adult and youth groups to help individuals and families make dietary and fitness changes to promote health.
MY PYRAMID STEPS TO A HEALTHIER YOU
MyPyramid.gov features:
MyPyramid Plan - provides a quick estimate of what and how much food you should eat form the different food groups by entering your age, gender and activity level.
MyPyramid Tracker - provides more detailed information on your diet quality and physical activity status by comparing a days worth of foods eaten with current nutrition guidance. Relevant nutrition and physical activity messages are tailored to your desire to maintain your current weight or to lose weight.
Recommendations for pregnant women and feeding children are also available ion the MyPyramid.gov website or by contacting Jeanne Darling at CCE-Delaware County (607) 865-6531.
Link: www.MyPyramid.gov
BREASTFEEDING HEALTHY BABIES
One of the most important decisions parents will make is how to feed their baby. Deciding to breastfeed can give babies the best possible start in life. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides breastfeeding support and education through the ESNY and EFNEP programs; and offers breast pumps to mothers who are high risk or enrolled in WIC, Public Health Well Baby Visits and ESNY/EFNEP.
Home-based lessons include information on the Benefits of Breastfeeding, How Breastfeeding Works, Getting Started, Beyond the First Feedings, Special Concerns, Breastfeeding and Returning to Work, Breast Milk Expression and Storage, And Weaning Your Baby. For further information on Breastfeeding Healthy Babies contact Jeanne Darling at Cornell Cooperative Extension 607-865-6531 or delaware@cornell.edu
GARDENING
In the Spring we enroll families and youth in gardening lessons for container gardening, growing a pizza or home garden, herbs for flavoring foods, or community/worksite gardens. Participants learn how to prepare the soil and composting garden for growing plants, soil testing, planting, growing produce, harvesting produce & integrated pest management.