Local Impacts of Federal Funding Cuts

In an article published in the Arizona Daily Star on Thursday September 4th, it was shared that due to cuts under the "One Big Beautiful Act," signed by President Donald Trump, the SNAP-Ed program will come to an end in Arizona and across America at the end of the month. SNAP-Ed programs focus on providing nutrition education and healthy living resources. Hosted by a handful of organizations throughout Arizona,  the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension is the host in Pima County.

While the Cooperative Extension is working to re-organize to maintain programs, loss of funding will result in fewer staff and a lack of support for associated costs like travel and materials. The 2024 annual report shared that programs under SNAP-Ed include PLAZA Mobile Markets, a wellness app in Pinal County, community and school gardens, food pantries, summer food partnerships, and more. The program's elimination will also affect monthly financial assistance for groceries and healthy foods for low-income households.

Shea Cantu, the Director of the Community Nutrition Program shared that despite cuts, the staff would focus on finding ways to continue this important work, “We will continue working in rural, urban and tribal communities alongside our partners to try and find alternative paths forward.”

Read the whole article to learn more. 

(Photo from Mamta Popat, AZ Daily Star)