From Challenge to Opportunity

Building a New Path for Community Nutrition Education

Kaitlyn P., Community Health and Wellness Agent

With the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, federal funding for SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) has been eliminated, creating a significant shift in how our team will facilitate nutrition education. Since 1995, K-State Extension Douglas County has facilitated federally funded nutrition education for our low-resourced neighbors. For years, SNAP-Ed has provided free, research-based classes that help individuals and families make healthier choices, stretch their food dollars, and prevent chronic disease.

The benefits of nutrition education through SNAP-Ed have been clear. Participants gain practical skills like understanding nutrition labels, meal planning, and shopping with a list to reduce impulse buys and food waste. Classes also emphasize physical activity, highlighting simple and affordable ways to integrate exercise into daily routines. For many in Douglas County, SNAP-Ed has been a vital resource in building healthier households and communities.

Collaborating in tandem with community partners has been a key ingredient to the success of SNAP-Ed in Douglas County. Susan Farley, food safety, health, and nutrition agent for K-State Extension Douglas County from 1992-2022, shared, “A key aspect of SNAP-Ed’s effectiveness was its community-based model. Rather than operating in isolation, K-State Extension in Douglas County partnered with the schools, the public health department, churches, senior centers, parks and recreation, food banks and pantries, libraries, farmers markets, local food retailers, and other institutions to provide nutrition education, increase healthy food access, and improve the environments where people make food and lifestyle decisions.”

Historically, SNAP-Ed has been a stable grant funding source that K-State Extension Douglas County would apply for annually and be fully funded. In fiscal year 2025, our organization was awarded $133,000, which funded two full-time educator positions, professional development, food, and materials for classes. While the end of SNAP-Ed funding poses financial challenges, it also presents an opportunity to re-envision nutrition education for our community. K-State Extension Douglas County remains committed to supporting families, but new approaches will be necessary. One possibility is exploring fee-for-service models that can sustain programming while ensuring access for those most in need.

Equally important will be strengthening creative collaborations with community partners, schools, food pantries, healthcare providers, and local nonprofits. By working together, we can continue to deliver nutrition education in ways that are inclusive, affordable, and impactful.

Although the landscape has changed, the mission remains the same: empowering Douglas County residents with the knowledge and skills to live healthier lives. Through innovation and partnership, nutrition education will continue to be a cornerstone of community well-being.

This article is from the 2025 K-State Extension Douglas County Fall Newsletter publication.