St. Lawrence County will be getting $481,265 in state and federal funding for county-based support programs aimed at improving older individuals' access to nutritional and disease prevention services.

The North Country region will be getting $2,544,516 for the programs.

This is part of the $74.6 million headed to 59 such agencies around the state announced Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

That money will generate an additional $98.3 million in funding from municipalities, plus an additional $11.5 million in direct voluntary contributions from program participants, the governor’s announcement said..

The programs help older New Yorkers prevent or reduce the effect of chronic disease associated with diet and weight; strengthen the link between nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle; and improve access to nutritional information, education, counseling, and healthy foods, the release said.

There is more on these programs in St. Lawrence County at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/OfficefortheAging/, and 315-386-4730.

North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik said, "It's critical that we provide the resources necessary to support our seniors and I applaud this important funding. This funding will be used to give our seniors access to quality nutrition and health services, helping to enhance quality of life."