CANTON – Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County will receive a $680,000 federal grant to promote healthy diets and active lifestyles for low income residents.

The grant was part of $12.9 million in federal funding for 16 non-profit organizations around the state. The money will be used to promote healthy diets and active lifestyles among individuals and households eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or those that are receiving the benefits already.

The governor’s office made the announcement Monday, Oct. 21.

Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the five-year SNAP-Ed grants are aimed at helping low-income and working-class New Yorkers avoid obesity and chronic nutrition-related diseases, while improving their overall health outcomes, said a press release from the governor’s office.

Many low-income individuals and families in New York face social and economic barriers to nutrition and health and live in communities that are disproportionately affected by poverty, said the press release. As a result, poverty, child poverty, food insecurity and obesity-related chronic disease in some communities can exceed state and even national averages.

The programs funded through the grants are aimed at helping low income families and individuals increase the amount of nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products in their diet, while avoiding unhealthy foods containing large amounts of added sugars, salt and saturated fat.

Participants will also be encouraged to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, the press release said.

Each program will provide either a nutrition education using evidence-based curriculum, outreach through mass communications or at public events, or a nutritionist with training experience to communicate healthy eating and obesity prevention.

The goal is to improve food resource management and preparation skills among participants, while also increasing access to affordable and nutritious foods.

OTDA's Eat Smart New York initiative also provides free online tools that can assist individuals and families in choosing a healthier diet. These include Eating Healthy on a Budget, an interactive module that provides planning tips for preparing healthy meals, tips for smart shopping, and links to nutritionist programs throughout the state.

Nearly 1.5 million households and more than 2.6 million people throughout New York -- roughly one out of every five adults -- rely on SNAP to avoid food insecurity, which is defined as lacking reliable access to an adequate amount of nutritious sustenance, the press release said.

About 43 percent of SNAP recipients are in families with elderly or disabled members, 59 percent are in families with children; and 39 percent are in working families.

Research has shown that communities with the highest rates of food insecurity also have a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity and individuals with some form of disability, the press release said.

Food insecure adults in New York are also likely to pay significantly more in healthcare costs than those who are not, a recent study found.