Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY) evolved from a collaboration between the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (RFBNENY) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) to increase the consumption of fresh produce by food stamp recipients and applicants.

Prior to this project the Food Bank encouraged the distribution of fresh produce through a "Produce for the People Program". However, in 1996 a nutrition education component was added when the NYS Department of Health obtained matching funds from the USDA Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP). Focus groups were conducted with food pantry operators and food pantry clients and it was determined that more produce would be used if clients were informed of care and use of various fruits and vegetables. In Fiscal Year 1997 - 1998, four nutritionists were hired to work in Livingston County, the Tri-Cities of Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer, Syracuse and Manhattan's Lower East Side.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has oversight of the Food Stamp Program and other FSNEP contracts throughout the State. (Eat Smart New York). The JSY Project is one of several FSNEP contracts. JSY is jointly managed by NYS-DOH HPNAP and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (RFBNENY).