Funding for crucial nutrition programs aimed at low-income residents in New York State is set to end following a significant cut to the federal budget. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) educational arm, known as SNAP-Ed NY, has played a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits among under-resourced families and communities. The program, which has been operational since the 1990s, provided essential resources to over 200,000 residents in 2024 alone and has now been severely impacted by funding cuts announced on July 4, 2023.
At the heart of these programs is the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) initiative, which has transformed the eating habits of participants like Richard Kramarz, a 77-year-old resident of the Clyde F. Simon Lakeview Apartments. Kramarz, who initially disliked chickpeas, found himself enjoying chickpea salad after a workshop led by educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). The program provided him with weekly $20 vouchers to purchase fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, allowing him to adopt healthier eating practices.
The FVRx program is just one aspect of SNAP-Ed NY, which has been implemented across New York through various county CCE offices and community organizations. The initiative aimed to educate families about nutrition while reducing barriers to accessing healthy foods. It has reached diverse groups by hosting workshops in schools, senior living facilities, and food pantries, thereby addressing the specific needs of different communities.
Angela Odoms-Young, the Nancy Schlegel Meinig Associate Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition at Cornell, emphasized the program’s importance. “SNAP-Ed is our largest nutrition education investment to support healthy lifestyle behaviors for low-resource families and communities – this is a huge loss,” she stated. The program’s focus on preventing obesity and improving health outcomes has been particularly significant, given that six in ten Americans suffer from chronic diseases that can often be mitigated through better dietary choices.
In 2024, over 750,000 individuals benefited from systemic changes initiated by the program, which included workshops that encouraged long-term shifts in eating habits. Last year, more than half of workshop participants reported lasting changes in their dietary practices, with nearly 41% of programming occurring in schools. Educators aimed to engage children early, fostering a lifelong appreciation for healthy food.
The impact of the program is evident in families like that of Jennifer Chagoya from Middletown, New York. Her daughter, who participated in a SNAP-Ed initiative called Market Sprouts, still talks about the experience positively. Chagoya noted that her son, who recently attended the program, now actively participates in meal planning and has developed a taste for vegetables.
Shayna Russo, a SNAP-Ed educator for the Hudson Valley region, highlighted the necessity of the program in bridging gaps in food education. “Just because you have the components doesn’t mean you have the tools, resources, and means to turn that into something nutritious and ready to eat,” she stated. This hands-on approach to nutrition education is essential, especially in communities facing food insecurity.
Throughout New York State, CCE educators have collaborated with local stores to improve access to fresh produce, even creating recipes using ingredients from dollar stores or food banks. This adaptability has been crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by different communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to incorporate healthy foods into their diets.
As the funding cuts loom, the future of these essential nutrition programs remains uncertain. According to Odoms-Young, the loss will have a profound impact on low-income families who rely on SNAP-Ed for guidance on healthy eating. “The programs help us work collaboratively with communities to make sure the lives of people in New York State are better,” she noted.
In summary, the impending end of SNAP-Ed initiatives signifies a considerable setback for nutrition education efforts across New York. As community members like Kramarz and Chagoya illustrate, these programs not only foster healthier eating habits but also empower individuals to make informed choices about their diets. The loss of this crucial funding will challenge many families in their pursuit of improved health and well-being.
