FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delaware County Board of Supervisors Approves $148,184 in SNAP-Ed Funding to Support Senior Nutrition Programs
DELHI, NY – October 10th, 2025 - The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to approve a budget amendment accepting $148,184 in New York State SNAP-Ed program funding to support senior nutrition and educational initiatives throughout the region.
Town of Hancock Supervisor William "Jerry" Vernold joined fellow board members in approving the funding on Wednesday, October 9, 2025. The grant will be administered by the Delaware County Office for the Aging and will provide critical nutrition education and food security services to seniors and vulnerable populations across Delaware, Greene, and Sullivan Counties.
"This funding represents an important investment in the health and wellbeing of our senior citizens," said Supervisor Vernold. "Access to nutritious food and nutrition education are fundamental to quality of life, and I'm proud to support programs that deliver these essential services to those who need them most."
What is SNAP-Ed?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a federally funded program that provides nutrition information, direct education, workshops, and community events to SNAP-eligible residents. The program addresses challenges related to proper nutrition, food insecurity, and obesity prevention through evidence-based education and outreach.
Local Programs and Partners Receiving Funds
The approved funding will support the following initiatives and local partners:
Delaware County Office for the Aging – Program administration and coordination of nutrition services
Delaware Opportunities Dining Centers – Distribution of fresh produce boxes and nutrition education at congregate meal sites and through home-delivered meal services
Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County – Nutrition workshops and educational outreach to SNAP-eligible residents
Bassett Healthcare Network/O'Connor Hospital – Partnership support for fresh produce initiatives
Schoharie Valley Farms – Local farm partner providing fresh, locally-sourced produce
Program Impact
The SNAP-Ed program currently reaches more than 200 area residents throughout Delaware County. In recent years, over 167 produce boxes have been distributed through senior dining centers. The new funding will allow the Office for the Aging to continue and expand these produce distribution and nutrition education initiatives at participating senior meal sites throughout the region.
Services will include:
Nutrition information sessions and hands-on cooking demonstrations
Workshops on healthy eating on a budget
Practical guidance on safe food handling, meal planning, and dietary management
Home-delivered and congregate meal services
Fresh produce box distributions to eligible seniors
"Delaware County must continue and expand its support for programs like this," Vernold emphasized. "Our seniors built this community. Now, as they face difficult economic times, we have both a moral obligation and a practical responsibility to ensure they have access to nutritious food and the education to make healthy choices on limited budgets."
Supervisor Vernold noted that the funding approval reflects the county's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through collaborative partnerships and sound fiscal management.
For more information about Delaware County senior nutrition programs, contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging or visit the Delaware County website.
About the Town of Hancock: Located in Delaware County, New York, the Town of Hancock is committed to transparent governance and serving the needs of all residents through responsible fiscal management and community-focused initiatives.
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October 1, 2025
Town of Hancock Supervisor Supports Critical Funding for Senior Nutrition Programs
HANCOCK, NY – Town of Hancock Supervisor William "Jerry" Vernold announced his support and vote for the Delaware County Board of Supervisors' budget amendment to accept $148,184 in state SNAP-Ed funding for the Office for the Aging, approved on September 24, 2025.
"This funding represents a lifeline for many of our senior citizens who struggle with food insecurity and nutritional challenges," said Supervisor Vernold. "As our population ages and economic pressures continue to mount, programs like SNAP-Ed become not just beneficial, but essential to maintaining the health and dignity of our older residents."
The SNAP-Ed grant will enhance nutrition programs for older adults in Delaware County, supporting initiatives including:
Home-delivered and congregate meal services
Fresh produce box distributions, which have reached over 150 local seniors in past years
Nutrition education led by trained dietitians and educators
Practical guidance on safe food handling, meal planning, and dietary management
"Delaware County must continue and expand its support for this and similar programs," Vernold emphasized. "Our seniors built this community. Now, as they face difficult times, we have both a moral obligation and a practical responsibility to ensure they have access to nutritious food and the education to make healthy choices on limited budgets."
Supervisor Vernold noted that the funding approval reflects the county's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through collaborative partnerships and sound fiscal management.
The SNAP-Ed program, administered through state and local agencies, teaches eligible individuals, including seniors, how to buy and prepare healthy meals while encouraging physical activity.
Contact Information:
William "Jerry" Vernold - Town Supervisor, Town of Hancock
661 West Main Street - Hancock, NY 13783
Phone: (607) 637-3651 - Email: thetown@hancock.net
About the Town of Hancock: Located in Delaware County, New York, the Town of Hancock is committed to transparent governance and serving the needs of all residents through responsible fiscal management and community-focused initiatives.