About SNAP-Ed

SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) was a program that made healthy diet and lifestyle choices easier for SNAP recipients and people who qualify for SNAP or live in communities with a significant low-income population (50% or greater). LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed staff offered interactive lessons, community-based programs, and health-focused coalitions in nearly 40 parishes across the state. We taught our audience how to eat healthy, stay physically active, and manage food dollars. We also worked with local communities to make healthy choices easier by improving places where people live, work, learn, pray, and play. This included making nutritious food and physical activity easier to access by enhancing local farmers markets, parks and trails, food retailers, school and community gardens, food pantries, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

 

FAQs About SNAP-Ed Ending

Published August 2025

The United States Congress recently passed a federal budget that eliminates funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). Because the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program has served the people of Louisiana for nearly 30 years, we understand this change raises questions about the future of nutrition education efforts in Louisiana. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’re hearing as we plan for the closure of the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program.

Question: Is SNAP-Ed officially ending in Louisiana?
Answer: Yes. SNAP-Ed is ending nationwide, including here in Louisiana. The program will officially end on September 30, 2025. This means the LSU AgCenter will no longer be able to offer SNAP-Ed funded programming after that date.

Question: Why is SNAP-Ed ending?
Answer: SNAP-Ed funding was eliminated from the federal budget, discontinuing the program nationwide.

Question: What specific services and programs are going away?
Answer: SNAP-Ed funding has allowed LSU AgCenter staff to provide nutrition education and healthy living programs in schools, senior centers, food pantries, farmers markets, grocery stores, libraries, and other community spaces in almost 40 parishes. While we may still have access to many of the teaching materials, the loss of SNAP-Ed funding means there will be fewer staff available to deliver programs and no SNAP-Ed funds to cover program costs like supplies for lessons, resources for participants, or materials for community events.

Question: Will the LSU AgCenter still offer nutrition and health-related education?
Answer: Yes, but the way we deliver that education will look different. The LSU AgCenter remains committed to improving health across Louisiana. We are currently exploring other options to continue offering wellness and nutrition programs through different funding sources, partnerships, and collaborative efforts.

Question: Can external organizations help the LSU AgCenter fill the gap?
Answer: For SNAP-Ed-specific programming, no because program is ending nationwide due to the loss of federal funding. However, we are absolutely interested in working with community partners to co-create new opportunities, apply for grants, and find creative ways to deliver health and nutrition education in the future. Please reach out if you’re interested in collaborating.

Question: Is the LSU AgCenter leaving my parish?
Answer: No. The LSU AgCenter will continue to serve every parish in Louisiana. However, some Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) services may be reduced or temporarily unavailable due to staffing and funding changes related to SNAP-Ed.

Question: Was this decision due to problems with the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program?
Answer: No. The LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed team has a long history of providing high-quality, evidence-based programs and services to Louisiana communities. The decision to eliminate SNAP-Ed funding was made at the federal level and affects every state, regardless of program performance.

Question: Who can I talk to about concerns or next steps?
Answer: Please reach out to Denise Holston, LSU AgCenter Associate Professor and Nutrition Extension Specialist, at dholston@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-4573.

 

SNAP-Ed's Impact 2024

The LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program had far-reaching impacts across the state in 2024. Below are some highlights from the last year of SNAP-Ed educational programs and Healthy Communities efforts.