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Serving St. Lawrence, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, Clinton, & Essex Counties
SNAP-Ed is a FREE, confidential nutrition education program that helps families manage food resources during tough economic times. The Extension Nutrition Team of knowledgeable nutrition educators provide practical, hands-on activities, and skills for healthy meal prep, as well as explore the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle for the community members in the North Country.
Visit our website for more recipes and tips for eating healthy for yourself and your family.
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February is National Canned Food Month!
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Canned Food Month comes during winter when fresh food from gardens or Farmers' Markets are harder to find. Canned foods are great for filling our pantries and leaving some money in our wallets.
There are many myths about canned foods, learn more!
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Packaged foods
Food comes in many types of packages. As more people focus on recycling and helping the planet, many don’t know that food cans are the most recycled packaging in the U.S. Buying canned food is good for the environment and saves you money.
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Salty Canned Foods
Many people steer away from canned goods due to the amount of sodium / salt. Many foods are now offered that are low sodium. If you are having trouble finding a lower sodium option, you can always drain and rinse to remove excess sodium.
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Cheaper Options
Buying canned is a great way to stretch your monthly food budget. Fresh foods especially when purchased out of season can cost as much as 5 times more than canned foods. Buying canned is another way to receive the nutrients our bodies need.
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Endless Varieties
There are so many options when it comes to canned goods. Whether it is canned vegetables, fruits, beans, meat and fish, these are healthy, affordable options. When times are tight, we can still eat right!
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Canned Meat and Fish
Canned meats and fish like tuna, salmon, and chicken are excellent sources of protein. Choose options packed in water or brine to reduce fat and sodium intake.
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Knowing the truth about canned foods can help you make good choices for your meals without going over your grocery budget!
Here are simple and fun ways to celebrate Canned Food Month:
1. Restock Your Pantry
- Stock up on canned foods like vegetables, fruits, soups, and beans. Look for sales to save money!
2. Try New Recipes
- Use canned foods to make easy meals like chili, casseroles, or fruit salads.
3. Donate to a Food Bank
- Share the love by donating canned goods to a local food bank or shelter.
4. Learn About Recycling
- Find out how to recycle cans in your area. Make a habit of recycling every can you use.
5. Host a Canned Food Party
- Ask friends or family to bring dishes made with canned food and share recipes.
6. Get Creative with Kids
- Use empty cans for crafts or teach kids about healthy meals using canned food.
7. Share Online
- Post your favorite canned food recipes or tips on social media using #CannedFoodMonth.
Celebrating is easy, fun, and a great way to save money and reduce waste!
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Cowboy Salad (Bean Salsa)
This salad/salsa is a party favorite. Using pantry items like canned beans, corn, and tomatoes, this recipe comes together quickly and can serve a crowd.
For the recipe click here!
Have you checked out our Recipe Bank yet?
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Tips and Tricks
Save time, save money, while still eating healthy!
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Meet Sarah Bentley Garfinkel of
St. Lawrence County!
Sarah joined Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County in January 2025 as the Systems Specialist for SNAP-Ed.
For almost twenty years she has served in various roles in the field of community health, primarily focusing on school wellness and policy, systems, and environmental change initiatives. Sarah is enthusiastic about collaborative efforts that support and promote wellbeing for all community residents. She enjoys cooking, digging in her small perennial gardens, and hiking, snowshoeing, and walking outdoors. Most of all, Sarah is delighted to be a parent and aunt.
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Hey Kids! Can you help Chef Solus
find all the Valentine's Day Healthy Heart words?
(Click on the picture below to print and for the answer key)
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Check out our Calendar
Click to see more upcoming classes!
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Sign up for Benefits now! |
The Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet.
To find out more about SNAP Benefits and other assistance program you may be eligible for visit: mybenefits.ny.gov
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If you need help applying for SNAP, call or email a Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator. NOEP Coordinators tell you if you may be eligible for SNAP, answer any questions you may have, and help you complete and submit your application. It is free and confidential.
St. Lawrence- Maximizing Independent Living Center- 315-764-9442 x405
Jefferson- Outreach Coordinator of Food Bank of NNY. -315-437-1899 x279
Clinton -Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Inc.- 518-563-4022 x112
Franklin- Maximizing Independent Living Center -518-483-2151
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SNAP-ED would like your feedback on our newsletters!
We are interested in your opinion and suggestions as to what you would like to see in our newsletters. Please take a moment to fill out the brief survey below. The survey is anonymous.
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This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.
If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information in this newsletter or need materials in an alternate format, contact tae38@cornell.edu for assistance.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities & provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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