After nearly 30 years of offering free nutrition education to SNAP-eligible individuals in Florida, the UF\/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) announced Tuesday that it will be sunsetting, effective Sept. 30.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor almost 30 years, we\u2019ve had the privilege to work side by side with families and community partners across Florida to foster lifelong healthy habits through nutrition education and improved access to nutritious foods,\u201d UF FNP said in a Facebook post. \u201cIt has been an honor and a joy to be part of this journey with you. The strength, care, and commitment we\u2019ve seen in our communities has inspired our team deeply. We\u2019re incredibly grateful to all who made this work possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the post, UF FNP said its discontinuation is \u201cdue to the elimination of federal funding for SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) programs.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Become A Member<\/p>\n
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.<\/p>\n
According to UF FNP\u2019s 2024 impact report<\/a>, SNAP-Ed \u201cis a federally grant program that teaches people who use or are eligible for SNAP benefits about good nutrition, physical activity, and how to stretch their food dollars further.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Funding for the SNAP-Ed program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), according to the report.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n UF FNP\u2019s impact goes beyond just Gainesville, which is home to its main office. In 2024, the program served more than 30 counties statewide, including Alachua, according to the report. In total, the UF FNP managed to reach over 270,000 youth at close to 4,000 locations with the assistance from more than 570 partnerships throughout the state.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In the social media post, UF FNP said its team is \u201cactively working with partners to review current projects and support a smooth wrap-up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this change is difficult, our dedication to the health and well-being of Florida families remains strong,\u201d the post said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For additional local programming and resources, UF FNP encourages folks to visit their local UF\/IFAS Extension at https:\/\/sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu\/find-your-local-office\/.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n