NORWICH – A community-based program aimed at helping New Yorkers put food on the table – in addition to helping with the state’s economic recovery – the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) assists eligible families and individuals obtain food stamp benefits.

According to the program’s website, www.hungersolutionsny.org/NOEP, approximately 10.5 percent of the state’s population are having trouble purchasing enough food on a regular basis. And with the continued financial and economic difficulties residents are facing, that percentage isn’t expected to drop any time soon, said local NOEP coordinator Darlene Alexander. Many people, she reported, may not be aware of their eligibility status, while others – particularly older adults who’ve worked most, if not all, their lives – may avoid seeking benefits, even though they’re entitled to them.

“There’s always been a sort of stigma attached with food stamps and our goal is to reach out to people and educate them so we can get past that,” stated Alexander. “During these difficult economic times that we’re all facing, it could be a wise decision to call and see if you’re eligible.”

While Alexander’s office, located in the Roots and Wings building at 34-36 Berry Street, doesn’t actually issue food stamps, its main purpose is to determine a person or family’s eligibility. Housing the office in that location made sense, she added, as Roots and Wings has a reputation as the one of the area’s successful outreach centers.