January 3, 2019 For Immediate Release

The Strong Launches New

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Discount

to Increase Museum Accessibility

ROCHESTER, NY—The Strong museum is pleased to announce a new discount program to help make the museum more accessible. Residents who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York State can now receive general admission to The Strong for $3 per person, up to four in a party. The discount is part of the museum’s ongoing community outreach programs administered in cooperation with area human service not-for-profits; schools, colleges, and universities; and health care organizations.

“The Strong recognizes the need to reduce barriers and make its resources available to all in our region and state,” says Steve Dubnik, president and CEO. “Many in our community rely on SNAP to feed their families, and this discounted admission rate—made possible by the generous support of donors—will share the educational power of play with a wider audience.”

The SNAP program, which helps low-income working people, senior citizens, and disabled residents to supplement their food budget, is part of the Federal Nutrition Assistance Program and administered by New York State. Residents meeting the income and eligibility requirements can apply online at MyBenefits.Gov or at the local office.

“Monroe County is incredibly proud to be the home of The Strong National Museum of Play, which greatly enhances our efforts to support stronger families by providing our youngest residents with so many exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through play,” says Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. “By making the museum experience even more affordable and accessible for local families, The Strong is ensuring every child will have an opportunity to make memories with family and friends to last a lifetime. I thank President and CEO Steve Dubnik and all of our partners at The Strong for their generous support and continued partnership.”

Residents who qualify for SNAP can show their New York State Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and matching identification at the museum’s admission desk to receive the discounted rate.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for more local families to enjoy this amazing resource in our own community," says Mayor Lovely A. Warren. "The Strong is a diamond in our city's crown and draws visitors from all over the country and abroad. Making it more affordable to members of our own community benefits our children, for whom play is an important and natural way to learn. And by making the museum more accessible, we add to the Rochester families who serve as word-of-mouth ambassadors promoting this unique and special museum in our midst. The better The Strong does, the more progress our city makes toward more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”

For more information, visit http://www.museumofplay.org/visit/hours-admission-fees

About The Strong

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.