The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced it is highlighting healthy eating, with live demonstrations from nutrition experts, at its booth during the Great New York State Fair, which begins Thursday, August. 27.

As the agency that oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York, OTDA’s display features fun activities that highlight how SNAP recipients, and others, can eat healthy on a budget.

“We’re excited to return to the New York State Fair and welcome the opportunity to talk to our fellow New Yorkers about the many programs and services our agency offers for families in need,” said OTDA Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts. “Visitors can also learn about the many ways they can begin to eat healthier and save money, even on a limited budget.”

Nutrition educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension Offices in Onondaga, Oneida and Cayuga counties are at OTDA’s booth, located in the Science & Industry Building, daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., August 27 – September 3. The experts are leading interactive demonstrations with the themes: “Eating Healthy on a Budget – Choose Healthy Snacks!” and “Re-Think Your Drink!” which shows the amount of sugar in soda and other popular drinks.

The display also features video games focused on making good food choices. Visitors can play the interactive healthy meal and snack choice games on two, large touch-screen monitors.

Child Support Services

OTDA staff members are also available to answer questions about how parents can apply for child support services, which are beneficial to families of all income levels. Representatives can provide guidance on how the New York State child support program can work with you to:

• Establish legal fatherhood for a child born to unmarried parents.
• Find a noncustodial parent.
• Obtain a support order from court for a child, including provisions for health care coverage, as well as child care and educational expenses.
• Collect child support payments from the noncustodial parent.
• Take action when there is unpaid child support.
• Review your support order to increase support based on a cost of living adjustment.

Display Booth Hours of Operation

OTDA representatives will be available to answer questions about the SNAP, Child Support and the agency’s other programs, every day of the State Fair, August 27 through September 7, 2015, from 10am to 10pm.