Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Extension director: SNAP‑Ed cuts will end FoodWIse locally; AmeriCorps reinstatement means part‑time recruiting
Summary
Area Extension Director Pat Wagner told the committee that federal SNAP‑Ed funds will sunset Sept. 30, 2025, ending local FoodWIse programming; Covering WI funding was substantially reduced and AmeriCorps funding has been reinstated with Marquette County recruiting a part‑time member.
Pat Wagner, Area Extension Director, told the Marquette County Extension Education Committee on Aug. 19 that state and federal funding changes reported at the Wisconsin Counties Association virtual meeting (Aug. 18) will reduce some Extension programming in the county.
Wagner said divisions at UW–Madison will absorb a 5% reduction. Federal SNAP‑Ed funds were cut and are scheduled to sunset on Sept. 30, 2025; as a result, Wagner said FoodWIse programming in Marquette County will end when those funds expire. Covering WI funding was reduced from “over $1 million” to $340,000, she said. Wagner also reported that AmeriCorps funding was reinstated and that Marquette County Extension is recruiting a part‑time AmeriCorps member.
The committee received written educator reports from Hannah Zellmer (Human Development and Relationships Educator), Christa VanTreeck (4‑H Youth Development Educator), and Laci Monroe (FoodWIse Nutrition Coordinator) and placed them on file. The minutes note that Olivia Zuehls, the AmeriCorps member, and Laci Monroe attended their last meeting and were thanked by the committee for their service.
Committee members reviewed a report from a July 9 community needs forum; Wagner said the forum’s findings align with current program direction and that the data will be provided to Allysan Brunette for inclusion in county strategic planning. Heidi Johnson of the UW–Madison Division of Extension Agriculture Institute joined virtually to discuss staffing options for Marquette County based on available FTEs.
