Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
MU Extension staff outline local programming, say statewide SNAP‑Ed cuts led to large layoffs
Loading...
Summary
An extension presenter told the Cole County Commission the federal end of SNAP‑Ed funding led to roughly 80–85 statewide layoffs, while Cole County retained several specialists and is planning 2026 priorities including child development programming and a 4‑H recruitment push.
A University of Missouri Extension representative briefed the Cole County Commission on local programming and staffing changes at the commission’s Nov. 18 meeting.
The presenter said the federal SNAP‑Ed grant that supported nutrition programming for about 30+ years was eliminated and that the state extension system had to lay off about “80 to 85 people,” affecting nutrition program associates and some specialists. "We ended up statewide having to lay off between 80 and 85 people," the extension presenter said, noting the cuts were the largest the extension has faced.
The presenter said Cole County retained two employees who continue to provide nutrition and health programming: Kathy Deacon (field specialist, nutrition and health), who now covers Callaway, Cole and Osage counties and recently picked up Miller County coverage, and Dawn Sebian (nutrition program associate), who now serves Cole, Osage and southern Callaway. The presenter highlighted local activities including a Tai Chi pilot aimed at reducing fall risk and supporting independent living, a childcare administrator summit organized with United Way of Central Missouri, and recruiting work for the 4‑H program.
Extension staff named in the update included Sean Eberly (4‑H educator), Chrissy Bridal (livestock specialist), and Mary Soba (field specialist in ag business); partner organizations cited included the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and United Way of Central Missouri.
The presenter said extension councils are gathering survey results to set a county priority issue for 2026; Cole County’s council previously set child development as a theme and organized training and certification opportunities for childcare providers.
The commission did not take any formal action on the report. The extension presenter encouraged residents interested in extension council service or the January election nomination process to contact extension staff.
