UW Extension highlights 4‑H summer programs as SNAP‑Ed funding cuts could eliminate local FoodWIse position

UW Extension staff told the committee the department will run expanded summer programs using two interns after a last‑minute loss of AmeriCorps funding was replaced with university and local grants; the session included a detailed description of a youth‑led community gardening program.

Extension staff also warned committee members that recent federal budget reconciliation language would eliminate SNAP‑Ed funding (FoodWIse in Wisconsin) and that, if enacted, the county’s local FoodWIse position (Monica) could be cut. The presenter said the change is not final — the measure has passed the House and is pending in the Senate — and encouraged county board members to contact state representatives, particularly members of the Joint Finance Committee, in support of continued funding for land‑use and education staff.

Separately, Extension described two summer interns (Autumn Carter and Isaiah Currier) who are running youth programming including a new community gardening project in partnership with the smart farm and the farmers market. The program will teach gardening from planting to harvest; staff said some produce may be donated to local food banks or senior centers and that children may sell produce at the farmers market as a learning exercise. Extension staff noted the county received alternate funding from the university and local grants to support the interns after AmeriCorps funding fell through.

Staff also said they will circulate a summary of Extension priorities for the coming academic year and asked committee members to submit suggestions for community partners. Committee members discussed the broader implications if SNAP‑Ed (FoodWIse) funding is removed and were urged to contact representatives on the Joint Finance Committee.