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UGA SNAP-Ed Program Update: What You Need to Know
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) at the University of Georgia has long played a vital role in helping Georgians make healthier food choices, move more, and reduce their risk for chronic disease. We are proud of the partnerships, programs, and community impacts made possible by this effort.
Due to federal legislative changes, UGA SNAP-Ed will no longer receive federal funding beginning October 1, 2025. As a result, UGA Extension’s delivery of SNAP-Ed will officially come to a close.
We know this news may raise questions. Below you’ll find answers and updates about what this means for Georgia communities, partners, and UGA Extension’s health-related programming moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the SNAP-Ed program ending in Georgia?
Yes. SNAP-Ed will end nationwide effective October 1, 2025, following the elimination of federal funding in the H.R. 1 budget legislation. UGA Extension will no longer deliver SNAP-Ed-funded programs after this date.
2. Why is the program ending?
This decision was made at the federal level and affects all SNAP-Ed programs across the U.S., regardless of their performance. It is not specific to Georgia or UGA Extension.
3. What specific programs or services will be discontinued?
Many programs previously offered in community centers, senior centers, food pantries, and farmers’ markets were supported by SNAP-Ed funding. While UGA Extension Agents will have access to most of the curricula used, the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding means there will be fewer staff available to deliver these programs, and no SNAP-Ed funds to support associated costs, such as travel, materials, or site-based activities. While UGA Extension staff may still use these curricula, they will need alternative funding and community partnerships to continue program delivery.
Extension personnel may still use these curricula and program resources, but will need to identify alternative funding sources and partners to cover program delivery costs. Approved SNAP-Ed programs include:
- Food Talk
- Food Talk: Better U
- Food Talk: Farmers Market § Eat Healthy, Be Active
- Farm to Fork
- Food eTalk
- Drink Water, Georgia! Texting
- Food Talk Texting
In addition, the SNAP-Ed supported nutrition education materials previously provided (i.e., newsletters, recipe cards, calendars, social media content posting) will be discontinued.
4. Will UGA Extension still offer nutrition or health education?
Yes. UGA Extension remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of Georgians. However, with SNAP-Ed funding no longer available, this work will look different. We are actively restructuring how this work will continue.
5. Can other organizations help support this work?
For SNAP-Ed funded programs, specifically? No. Termination of federal funding means there is no longer infrastructure to support the program.
For other nutrition and health programs? Yes. We welcome opportunities to co-develop new programs, apply for joint funding, or provide services through partnerships. Please reach out to Allisen Penn to start the conversation.
6. Is UGA Extension leaving my county?
No. UGA Extension continues to serve all 159 Georgia counties. While SNAP-Ed programming will conclude, UGA Extension’s broader educational mission and local presence remain unchanged, including nutrition and health education.
7. Was this decision due to problems with UGA Extension’s SNAP-Ed program?
No. UGA SNAP-Ed maintained a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, research-based nutrition education with measurable community impact. The funding cut was a federal decision affecting all states and does not reflect program quality or outcomes.
8. Who can I contact for more information?
Partner organizations and the media may reach out to:
- Allisen Penn – Associate Dean, UGA Extension and Outreach
What is SNAP-Ed?
SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) is the nutrition promotion and obesity prevention component of SNAP. The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that persons SNAP-eligible Georgians will make healthy food and lifestyle choices that prevent obesity.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps). It is part of the U.S. domestic hunger safety net and provides economic benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families for food purchases.
Funding
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is funded by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and offered nationwide. In Georgia, the SNAP-Ed funding is administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The University of Georgia (UGA) SNAP-Ed serves as one of the four implementing agencies in our state.
Goal
The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that persons on SNAP or eligible for SNAP-Ed will make healthy food and lifestyle choices that prevent obesity.
SNAP-Ed fulfills this goal by working through UGA Extension to combine federal, state, and local resources to effect positive social change through:
- Direct education both online and in person
- Social marketing through online, social, and traditional media outlets
- PSE interventions such as Healthy Child Care Georgia
How SNAP-Ed Works
The UGA SNAP-Ed program offers in-person (called Food Talk, Food Talk: Better U, and Food Talk: Farmer's Market) health classes and online classes (called Food eTalk and Food eTalk: Better U). We also provide nutrition information and healthy recipes via our website and Food Talk social media pages at @foodetalk. Importantly, we also work to improve policies, systems, and environments that support healthy families across Georgia with diverse partners and communities.
The University of Georgia SNAP-Ed program provides these resources through the University of Georgia College of Family & Consumer Sciences & UGA Extension.
- Learn more about the programs in Georgia at USDA’s SNAP-Ed Connection.
- Find a class in your local community or learn online at www.foodtalk.org.
- Visit Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X for recipes, quick tips, and videos to learn how to keep healthy on a budget.
