The University of Nebraska’s SNAP-Ed program, administered by Nebraska Extension since 1992, will shut down next month after federal funding was eliminated by the Republican-backed reconciliation package—dubbed by President Donald Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act.
The bill reduces SNAP funding by roughly $300 billion over the next decade. Nebraska Extension had received approximately $2 million in funding annually for SNAP-Ed programming and educational programming for youth, adults with developmental disabilities and others who qualify for SNAP benefits. These programs were designed to help SNAP-eligible Nebraskans adopt healthy habits, stretch their benefits, and combat obesity.
With the program collapsing, 10 staff positions and several student worker positions supported by the federal funding will be eliminated. Operations will cease on September 30th.
Last year, SNAP-Ed programming was utilized by nearly 120,000 Nebraskans. According to the program, individuals who interacted with SNAP-Ed staff used SNAP benefits more efficiently, ate more nutritiously, and had better health outcomes than those who didn’t. Certain metrics include adults meeting nutrition and physical activity guidelines, youth eating more fruits/vegetables and reducing sugary drinks, and families learning how to shop smart and cook nutritious meals
Nebraska Extension says they will continue other statewide food, nutrition and health programming, which reaches residents through school-based nutrition education, food safety training for foodservice workers and more.