Maryland’s SNAP-Ed Program to End After Federal Defunding
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Maryland is poised to conclude its operations by October 1, 2025, due to significant reductions in federal funding. This unexpected closure will adversely affect numerous nutrition education services aimed at low-income families and those participating in the SNAP program. Furthermore, the shutdown will result in job losses for approximately 70 employees associated with the program.
Understanding SNAP-Ed
SNAP-Ed is a federally funded initiative designed to provide nutrition education and obesity prevention strategies to eligible individuals and families participating in food assistance through the SNAP program. The primary aim of SNAP-Ed is to improve the nutritional habits of low-income families to promote healthier lifestyles.
According to Amy Callahan, a project leader educator for Maryland SNAP-Ed, “One of the core aspects of our mission is collaborating with Food and Nutrition Services to emphasize and encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables on school lunch menus.” Callahan elaborates that the program encompasses educational classes, development of school gardens, and training for teachers and foodservice staff on wellness topics.
Consequences of the Program’s Closure
The impending closure of SNAP-Ed is projected to impact over 424,000 residents in Maryland who currently benefit from various educational initiatives. In the Baltimore area, the program partners with more than 30 public schools, including vital community resources such as Judy Centers, food pantries, farmers markets, and early education establishments like the Head Starts managed by Associated Catholic Charities and the Y of Central Maryland.
Callahan highlighted the program’s reach, stating, “In 2024 alone, we successfully engaged approximately 9,000 participants through direct educational classes, totaling over 2,100 hours of instruction—all accomplished with just five educators and three program assistants.”
How Maryland SNAP-Ed Operates
Operating under the University of Maryland Extension, the SNAP-Ed program is entirely funded by federal resources, which will cease to exist come October. This termination follows the enactment of legislation introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration, referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law in July.
Lisa Lachenmayr, the director of Maryland SNAP-Ed, expressed concerns by stating, “We have played a crucial role in promoting health within the community. I hope we can resume some of our services in the future, though I don’t foresee that happening as of October 1.”
Callahan added, “Right now, our focus is on collaborating with our current partners and ensuring they have access to materials and resources necessary to sustain programming even in our absence.” Despite the program’s closure, SNAP-Ed aims to maintain some online resources available for the community.
SNAP-Ed Program Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Residents Impacted | 424,000 |
| Public Schools Partnered | 30+ |
| Participants Reached in 2024 | 9,000 |
| Hours of Education Provided | 2,100+ |
