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UW Extension staff layoffs imperil FoodWIse SNAP‑Ed services in Marathon County; educator recognized nationally
Summary
UW Extension staff reported statewide layoffs that include FoodWIse SNAP‑Ed positions affecting Marathon County; the committee also recognized dairy educator Heather Schlesser for a national distinguished service award.
UW Extension representatives informed the Marathon County Extension Education & Economic Development Committee on July 3 that statewide layoffs are affecting the FoodWIse (SNAP‑Ed) program and that three extension staff in Marathon County were issued layoff notices.
Patrick, representing UW Extension in the meeting, said 95 extension staff received layoff notices in the round of cuts and that the layoffs will remove local SNAP‑Ed nutrition educators who work in schools, farmers’ markets and community food programs. ‘‘We were actually provided their layoff notice last week, Wednesday,’’ Patrick said. He explained that FoodWIse staff carry out classroom nutrition education, partner with food banks and work on school meal participation and related policy and practice improvements.
Committee members and extension staff warned about the local consequences. Extension noted that FoodWIse’s ‘‘ground-up’’ model provided direct classroom and community interventions in 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties; the loss of those educators in Marathon County will remove hands-on nutrition education in schools and other community settings unless alternate funding or providers are secured. Committee members said local organizations and county representatives are seeking ways to restore funding and that Portage County had recently passed a resolution urging state action.
Separately, UW Extension’s monthly report included recognition for Heather Schlesser, Marathon County dairy educator, who received a National Association of County Agricultural Agents distinguished service award. Patrick said the award is given to a single nominee from each state and highlighted Schlesser’s work in dairy breeding and research that supports larger regional agricultural organizations.
Extension staff asked the committee to share information with partners and noted ongoing advocacy and potential legislative action to restore or replace SNAP‑Ed funding at the state and federal levels.
