The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP)

Hunger Solutions New York manages the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP). This unique model offers free and confidential services to connect hungry New Yorkers with nutrition assistance programs. NOEP is available in many counties across the state and throughout the boroughs of New York City.

NOEP’s primary focus is increasing participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the new name for the Food Stamp Program. SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger; stretching the monthly food budgets of all who meet program guidelines. Participants use an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to buy food from local stores, bodegas and farmers’ markets.

NOEP works to increase participation in the School Breakfast Program and Summer Food Service Program which provide nutritious meals to school-aged children.

Nationally Recognized Program
NOEP’s nationally recognized model is one of the largest SNAP outreach programs in the nation. Through community-based work, tens of thousands of new households each year apply for, and receive, benefits.

Hunger Solutions New York trains NOEP outreach workers in SNAP guidelines to provide confidential and accurate pre-screenings and application assistance for individuals and households. NOEP outreach workers:

  • Promote SNAP across the state;
  • Help applicants gather and copy the necessary documents;
  • Offer translation services, home visits, in-person or over-the-phone assistance for applicants who need individualized help;
  • Work closely with local government offices to ensure that each application is processed correctly;
  • Identify and remedy barriers to SNAP participation;
  • Refer households to other nutrition assistance programs and community resources; and
  • Collaborate with an array of local service providers.

Return on Investment
As a state and federally funded program, every $1 invested by New York State in the NOEP results in an average return of more than $42 in new federal SNAP dollars spent in local grocery stores, bodegas and farmers’ markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that every $5 in SNAP benefits nearly doubles to more than $9 in local economic benefit. This helps to strengthen our small businesses, local grocers and New York’s farmers.

NOEP helped nearly 25,000 households apply for and receive SNAP benefits in FY 2010-2011, bringing more than $84 million into New York's economy.