Dear Colleagues,
I recognize the concern and anxiety felt by our community about proposed cuts to our federal funding. I want to share some encouraging news about the budget status of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), which funds our CalFresh Healthy Living, UC program.
Late Wednesday night, the Senate Agriculture Committee released their version of the reconciliation bill, also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which allows Congress to expedite changes to tax laws, spending laws and the debt limit. The language in the Senate’s reconciliation bill is similar to the House version, but rather than eliminating the entire SNAP-Ed program, the Senate would end its funding after federal fiscal year 2025.
While this isn’t desirable, the Senate doesn’t call for eliminating SNAP-Ed. The program still exists, but it’s not funded. That leaves the door open for negotiation. We can work with this.
While Congress is debating reconciliation, members also have begun the annual appropriations process for federal fiscal year 2026. Here is another reason to be hopeful for SNAP-Ed: both the president’s proposed FY 26 budget and the House’s proposed FY 26 budget fully fund SNAP-Ed.
We are in the early stages of the federal FY 26 budget process and these budget proposals may change in response to whatever happens in the reconciliation bill. But, nevertheless, this is encouraging.
For those of you who are part of CalFresh Healthy Living, UC, please know that I hear and understand your worry during this time of uncertainty. Also know, however, that the UC is working hand-in-hand with universities and associations across the nation, and we are doing everything we can to engage the federal government to preserve SNAP-Ed funding.
We see your outstanding work and the difference you make in our communities. We will continue to emphasize that SNAP-Ed is a truly worthy investment, both for now and in the future, with data-driven positive impacts to our nation’s health and economy.
Thank you for everything you do, even under challenging circumstances.
Glenda Humiston
Vice President