MSU Extension outlines programs reaching thousands as SNAP‑Ed funding ends next month

The Kent County Community Health & Safety Committee heard an overview of Michigan State University Extension programs on Aug. 26, with district director Kai Gritter saying the extension served more than 7,500 Kent County residents in 2024 across nutrition, gardening, youth and agribusiness programs.

MSU Extension District 7 Director Kai Gritter said the office ran about 906 programs last year and worked with more than 300 volunteers, including about 120 4‑H volunteers, and more than 100 community partners. “These numbers really represent lives touched, skills gained, and communities strengthened,” Gritter said.

The presentation covered multiple institute programs. Jennifer Ortquist, senior extension educator, described financial and homeownership education, saying the extension partners with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and lenders on down‑payment assistance and money‑management training. “Our free money management resources cover a variety of topics,” Ortquist said, and she highlighted expected pressure on households if SNAP benefits are reduced.

Garrett Ziegler, community food systems educator, described work with growers, farm markets and agritourism and noted MSU Extension support for the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo and for small and medium farms seeking diversified income. Deanna Headland and other extension staff outlined consumer horticulture and soil‑testing services the extension provides, and Samantha Bloom summarized 4‑H youth programming, including STEM camps, livestock clubs and school garden partnerships.

Gritter and other staff flagged a program change: federal SNAP‑Ed funding that supported nutrition education in Kent County will end Sept. 30. Gritter said some nutrition education will continue through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) but characterized the loss of SNAP‑Ed funding as “devastating.”

Public comment at the start of the meeting included a recommendation that the county explore 3‑D‑printed housing. Dee Jones, who identified themself as a local entrepreneur, urged the committee to “think about 3‑D printed houses” as a way to expand affordable housing options and to consider economic opportunity as part of community health and safety.

Commissioners thanked the MSU Extension delegation and asked about partnerships with neighborhood associations and local housing groups. Gritter and staff said extension programs already partner with housing authorities, community action groups and schools and that staff would work to expand connections with neighborhood associations.

The extension requested the committee continue outreach and partnership; staff fielded questions about specific programs and offered materials and contact information for follow‑up.

Ending: Committee members commended the breadth of services and encouraged continued collaboration between the county and MSU Extension.