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UNR Extension warns of SNAP-Ed funding cuts that could eliminate staff and programs in Washoe County
Summary
UNR Extension officials told the county board that the SNAP-Ed federal grant was eliminated, costing the Extension roughly seven positions and more than $700,000, and warned of program reductions unless new funding is identified.
Holly Gadske and Abby Pike, Washoe County Extension staff with the University of Nevada, Reno, presented the Extension27s annual budget update to the Board of County Commissioners on July 15 and warned of major federal funding losses that would shrink programs and staff.
Gadske said the Extension expects about $2.4 million in property-tax support in the new fiscal year and projected state and federal funding near $600,000. However, she told the board the SNAP-Ed federal nutrition-education grant has been "zeroed out," a change she said will cost the program roughly seven positions and more than $700,000 in revenue.
"We've lost the SNAP-Ed funding... which will be a loss of 7 positions and over $700,000 of income," Gadske said, describing program impacts that include fewer outreach and school‑based nutrition education activities.
Budget posture and contingency plans
Extension funding currently supports personnel and outreach work; Gadske said about 93.6% of the expected budget will pay personnel costs. The Extension is also maintaining a contingency (opening balance, bridge funding and building fund) to manage grant timing and potential future grant losses.
Commissioners and staff response
Vice Chair Jean Herman, Commissioner Mariluz Garcia and others thanked Extension leaders for the update and urged the public to help spread the word. Commissioner Garcia called the SNAP-Ed cut "devastating" and asked staff to keep the commission informed about partnership opportunities and potential county collaboration to sustain key activities.
Ending
Extension leaders said they will pursue alternative grants, emphasize fundraising and use a modest bridge fund to retain essential staff while seeking new funding streams; the commission encouraged public awareness of the program27s preventive-health value.
