From Michigan Advance:
The anticipated expiration of SNAP-Ed funding in October is likely to result in the permanent elimination of jobs at the Michigan State University Extension program, the full scope of which will be known by July 31, the Extension United Local 1855 announced Monday.
SNAP-Ed is a federally funded grant program run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that teaches people how to cook healthy meals, and lead physically active lifestyles.
The cuts are part of the larger federal funding eliminations to SNAP benefits signed recently by President Donald Trump.
In a news release issued Monday, the union affiliated with the Michigan branch of the American Federation of Teachers said it expected up to 120 jobs being permanently eliminated. The union also asked community members to reach out to state legislators to help bolster support for SNAP-Ed funding.
However, in a statement to Michigan Advance on Tuesday, Quentin Tyler, director of the MSU Extension, said the full scope of affected staff remains unknown and that a complete timetable for cuts is also unknown. Tyler did acknowledge that notification would be sent to affected staff by July 31.
“SNAP-Ed represented an enormous part of our health and nutrition work. The grant provided more than $10 million annually for MSU Extension and supported the overwhelming majority of our nutrition and physical activity programming,” Tyler said. “Due to federal budget decisions, we now know we will no longer receive SNAP-Ed funding in fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.”