Senators Skoufis and Metzger Applaud $1.8 Million in Funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County

**PRESS RELEASE**

Senators Skoufis and Metzger Applaud $1.8 Million in Funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County 
 

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and Senator Jen Metzger (D-Hudson Valley) applauded the federal funding secured for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County. The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) brings local expertise and research-based solutions together to tackle issues such as agricultural sustainability, enhancing the environment, strengthening youth and families, and economic development. Orange County received $800k for a community-based nutrition education and obesity prevention program and $1 million to provide technical assistance for the program.

Senator James Skoufis said, “Providing funding and support to programs that help educate communities on how to best take care of themselves is an essential investment in the future of all New Yorkers. Unfortunately, many healthy food and exercise options are not economically feasible for many low-income and working-class people in our state. That’s why educating our constituents with a frugal, realistic path to healthy options is a duty we cannot take lightly. I thank the Governor for his efforts and look forward to continuing to create a healthier state for everyone, not just those who can afford it.”  

Senator Jen Metzger said, “Information is power, and thanks to this state funding, CCE’s community-based program to get healthy diet and nutritional information into the hands of those who need it most will improve the health and well-being of families in Orange County, particularly among our most vulnerable populations. The program will also support our local food economy by highlighting the importance of a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, many of which are produced by New York farms. As Agriculture Chair, I have been working to widen access to all of our community members, regardless of income, to the benefits of healthy, locally-produced foods, and CCE’s education and obesity prevention program will make an important contribution to this goal.”

The funding will be administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through five-year Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) grants. 

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