The future of vital nutrition programs for low-income residents in New York State is in jeopardy following significant funding cuts. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) educational arm, known as SNAP-Ed NY, has been a critical resource for families seeking to improve their dietary habits. However, funding was eliminated from the federal budget on July 4, 2023, resulting in the imminent cessation of many of these community initiatives.
One participant, Richard Kramarz, 77, from Bath, New York, illustrates the personal impact of these programs. Initially resistant to trying chickpeas, Kramarz participated in a nutrition workshop conducted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). After tasting a chickpea salad, he embraced healthier eating habits, preparing the dish for himself multiple times a year. “I was eating stuff that I normally don’t eat or can’t afford to buy,” Kramarz reflected. He now utilizes the program’s weekly $20 vouchers to purchase fruits and vegetables at a local farmer’s market.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program is just one of many initiatives under SNAP-Ed NY, which has reached over 200,000 residents through direct workshops and impacted more than 750,000 through systemic changes. The program aims to educate individuals and reduce barriers to healthy food access across various community settings, including schools, food pantries, and senior facilities.
Angela Odoms-Young, the Nancy Schlegel Meinig Associate Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition, expressed concern over the funding cuts, stating, “SNAP-Ed is our largest nutrition education investment to support healthy lifestyle behaviors for low-resource families and communities – this is a huge loss.” The program, which began in the 1990s, has played a vital role in promoting healthy eating and physical activity among those eligible for SNAP benefits, aiming to prevent obesity and improve overall health outcomes.
Research indicates that chronic diseases affect six in ten Americans, many of which can be mitigated through healthier diets. “The benefit of SNAP-Ed is that when people learn nutrition techniques and strategies, they continue doing those strategies even when they cycle off SNAP,” Odoms-Young added. This emphasis on lifelong healthy habits is essential in communities where many struggle with food insecurity.
The impact of SNAP-Ed programs is evident in the feedback from participants. Last year, over half of workshop attendees reported making long-term changes to their eating habits. Programs are particularly focused on youth engagement; nearly half of the participants were aged between 5 and 17, with significant programming occurring in schools. Jennifer Chagoya, a parent from Middletown, New York, noted that her daughter still talks about her positive experience with the Market Sprouts program, highlighting the initiative’s lasting influence.
Educators like Shayna Russo, a SNAP-Ed educator for the Hudson Valley region, emphasize the importance of practical skills. “Just because you have the components doesn’t mean you have the tools, resources and means to turn that into something that is nutritious and ready to eat,” Russo explained. SNAP-Ed provides the necessary education to bridge this gap, enabling families to prepare healthy meals from available resources.
In Erie County, CCE educators have integrated nutrition education into job readiness programs, addressing the needs of food-insecure individuals. Alex Sanker, a career coach in the program, noted that participants often go weeks without consuming fruits or vegetables. The workshops aim to educate participants on the importance of nutrition for maintaining health and productivity in the workplace.
For immigrant families, understanding and adapting to new food environments presents unique challenges. Zahrine Bajwa, regional program director for CCE Suffolk County, highlighted the prevalence of fast food, which is often cheaper than preparing healthy meals. “It’s very easy to buy that for your children instead of preparing a meal,” she said.
Despite the impending funding cuts, CCE educators have forged unprecedented collaborative efforts across New York State, particularly during the pandemic. This cooperation has led to the creation of digital resources that will complement in-person programming. Russo praised the collective effort, stating, “The power of the group statewide to come together to recognize the strength of our communities is phenomenal.”
With SNAP-Ed funding representing the equivalent of 200 full-time employees across New York, the loss of these programs is significant. Bajwa emphasized the vital role of educators, stating, “Each lesson, each class had value built in… you are giving people that critical thinking about their health.” The future of these programs remains uncertain, and their potential discontinuation poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of many in New York State.
