United States Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill that has eliminated federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed).
We understand you may have questions about the future of MU Extension’s health and nutrition programming, as well as the organization more broadly. Below is a list of answers to some of the questions you might have as we close out the program.
Thank you for all you’ve done and all you continue to do to make Missouri healthier and stronger.
- Has the SNAP-Ed program officially ended in Missouri?
Yes. As of now, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) is officially ending nationally, effective October 1, 2025. This means MU Extension will no longer deliver SNAP-Ed-funded programs.
- Why is SNAP-Ed ending?
SNAP-Ed funding was eliminated from the federal budget, effectively discontinuing the program nationwide.
- What specific services/programs are going away?
Many of the educational programs delivered at community sites, such as schools, senior centers, farmers markets, and food pantries, have been supported by SNAP-Ed funding. While MU Extension will retain 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.
Extension personnel may still use these curricula, but will need to identify alternative funding sources and partners to cover program delivery costs. Approved SNAP-Ed programs include:- Cooking Matters
- Show-Me Nutrition
- Stay Strong, Stay Healthy
- Chronic Disease Self-Management
- Families Eating Smart Moving More
- Fuel for Life
- And more.
In addition, the SNAP-Ed supported nutrition education materials previously provided to food pantries, and the Friday Backpack Program will be discontinued.
- Will MU Extension still offer nutrition or health-related education?
Yes. MU Extension continues to prioritize the health and well-being of Missouri. However, with there no longer being SNAP-Ed funding, this work will look different. We are working now to restructure what that work looks like.
- Can external organizations help MU Extension fill the gap?
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 Jo Britt Rankin to start the conversation.
- Is MU Extension leaving my county?
There may be some coverage gaps in the short term. But MU Extension continues its mission to serve every county in Missouri and the City of St. Louis. While SNAP-Ed funding and programming is ending, our broader educational and outreach mission continues, including nutrition and health education.
- Was this decision due to problems with MU Extension’s SNAP-Ed program?
No. MU Extension’s SNAP-Ed program had a strong record of success and community impact. The decision to remove SNAP-Ed from Missouri was made at the federal level and does not reflect program quality or outcomes. The federal decision eliminates SNAP-Ed nationwide.
- Who can I talk to about concerns or next steps?
Partner organizations or media can reach out to Jo Britt Rankin or Rob Jones.
About SNAP-Ed
SNAP-Ed is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is administered by SNAP state and local implementing agencies. States conduct needs assessments to ensure that SNAP-Ed is delivered in a hands-on and tailored way for their communities. As a result, SNAP-Ed looks different in every state.
In Missouri, the University of Missouri (MU) Extension is the lead SNAP-Ed Implementing Agency. MU Extension provides direct education, indirect education and policy, systems, & environmental (PSE) initiatives in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Annually, the SNAP-Ed program in Missouri reaches over one million Missourians.
MU Extension provides research-based nutrition education to Missouri’s SNAP recipients and those who are eligible. Using the socio-ecological model to prompt behavior change, MU Extension faculty and staff provide education to youth and adults throughout the state of Missouri.
Whether reaching out to youth and adults through classroom education or working with communities to promote healthy policies, systems and environments, the goal of the program is to help participants make behavior changes to achieve lifelong health and fitness. Along with statewide education, MU Extension coordinates the Missouri Nutrition Network activities through the Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) and collaborates with Operation Food Search to expand nutrition education throughout the state.