Walworth County extension warns proposed Senate text would cut SNAP‑Ed funding, threatening $100,000 and two local positions

Staff told the Agriculture Extension Education Committee on June 16 that text released as part of the Senate agriculture reconciliation proposal would eliminate SNAP‑Ed funding and, if approved, end that funding on Sept. 30, 2025.

The staff member said the proposal “included the proposal eliminating the SNAP Ed funding. And, if the proposal is approved, the funding would end as of September thirtieth of 2025.” The committee was told FoodWIse in Walworth County brings about $100,000 in federal-supported programming to the county and that two full‑time equivalent positions are funded through SNAP‑Ed.

The matter matters to local programming because FoodWIse delivers nutrition and health education across schools, libraries and food pantries in Walworth County. Lisa, the Bilingual FoodWIse coordinator, described direct program outcomes the committee could lose if funding ends, including an eight‑week Tai Chi fall‑prevention class run twice weekly and classroom nutrition lessons in 11 Turtle Creek classrooms.

Lisa said one Tai Chi participant who attended 16 classes moved from needing support to dress to being able to “step into his pants without feeling unstable,” and that the participant’s cardiac capacity rose from 20% to 28% over the course of the program. She also described school outreach in which children tasted kale, roasted chickpeas, pepitas and whole grains; one parent reported a child began requesting snap peas, carrots and yogurt at home.

Committee members asked whether the potential federal cut would mean losing the two FTEs; the staff member and Lisa confirmed the positions are funded through SNAP‑Ed and said job loss was a possible outcome if the funding ends. The staff member said county extension and program staff would continue their work “through this uncertain time” and would share updates with partners across counties as information develops.

No formal committee action was taken at the June 16 meeting. Members were asked to remain informed and staff said they would update the committee as the federal budget process unfolds.

As presented to the committee, the impacts described included potential loss of local education in schools, housing sites and food support settings; the committee was not presented with alternative funding sources or formal mitigation plans during the meeting.

The discussion occurred as part of the FoodWIse program report on the committee agenda and was informational only.