Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nutrition Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Says SNAP‑Ed Funding Was Defunded Federally; State Funding Keeps Three Staff Through Sept. 2026
Summary
Tess McKinley, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, told the legislature CCE's SNAP‑Ed program was defunded at the federal level in September 2025; New York State provided temporary funding so CCE continues three SNAP‑Ed staff through Sept. 2026 while the organization seeks additional grants or state funding.
Tess McKinley, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), briefed the legislature on CCE's 2026–2028 strategic plan and an update on SNAP‑Ed staffing after federal defunding.
"So in the past, we had 13 staff throughout 6 counties, because of the defunding of SNAP Ed at the federal government level," McKinley said, explaining the federal cut and the state’s temporary funding. She said New York State provided limited funding to continue SNAP‑Ed work through September 2026, and that CCE currently retains three SNAP‑Ed staff who continue nutrition education, school wellness support and programs such as the fruit-and-vegetable prescription program and Veggie Van.
McKinley said CCE is advocating for the state to fund SNAP‑Ed (estimated statewide need of $30 million annually) and has applied for other grants to preserve staff if the state does not continue funding. She said the CCE strategic plan (2026–2028) will be completed and presented for a vote by late March or April.
