A Cornell Cooperative Extension representative told the Resource Management Committee Aug. 6 that the state has ended the SNAP education program in its current funding model and the office has received an official notice.
“ I included the official letter that we received from Otedah about the ending of the SNAP education program,” the representative said, noting that the termination appears to be a funding decision by New York and that the county does not currently have an alternate funding source to continue the program.
The speaker said farm‑to‑school participation is growing and cited local efforts to secure corn for “harvest of the month” and taste tests. She said the Genesee Valley group had previously husked corn for program use and the cooperative is looking for volunteers to help this year. The office also reported a range of repeat horticulture workshops planned for local markets and events, and that the fair’s new snack shack completed its second season after upgrades to exhaust and venting systems.
When a committee member asked whether the SNAP‑Ed program could be restored without state or federal funding, the representative said she is not aware of a viable alternative and that other states with different funding arrangements (she cited Connecticut as an example) may be able to maintain similar programs. She said, “I don't know what the future holds, unfortunately.”
Ending: The committee received the report; no formal action was taken. Staff and the cooperative will monitor funding opportunities and outreach programs moving forward.