In 1992, seven states first conducted nutrition education programs using federal funds and SNAP-Ed was born. Over the course of 32 years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) helped low-income individuals and families make healthy food choices and become more physically active. It provides nutrition education and obesity prevention programs, aiming to improve the health and well-being of those with limited incomes. Earlier this year, a bill passed to significantly cut funding of the program. While it is unknown when the cuts will become effective, funding for Brighter Bites will be reduced by 40 percent.
"Millions of people depend on SNAP benefits and the SNAP-Ed programs to provide food and to teach healthy choices for long-term health," says Rich Dachman with Brighter Bites. The program teaches people how to plan, shop, cook, and save money while making healthy food choices. It also addresses obesity prevention by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. "Families rely on these benefits and programs for their well-being," Dachman added.
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Brighter Bites
The program utilizes evidence-based approaches to ensure its effectiveness and collaborates with state and local organizations to deliver its programs in communities. In 2024, SNAP-Ed received about $516 million in federal funding and reached approximately 90 million low-income Americans. One of the recipients of the funding is Brighter Bites, a school-based health promotion program designed to change the behavior of children and their families to prevent childhood obesity. It's the organization's goal to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
In 2024 alone, non-profit Brighter Bites distributed close to 8.9 million pounds of fresh produce, worked with 284 different schools in seven states and involved more than 727,000 students in nutrition educational lessons. With the recent passing of this bill, Brighter Bites will lose over $4 million in federal funding, which is about 40 percent of its total revenue. The proposed federal cuts will significantly impact families in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. "While the exact impact is unsure, without the federal support, fewer kids will get fresh produce and nutrition education," finished Dachman.
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For more information:
Brighter Bites
Tel: 281.684.7449
[email protected]
www.brighterbites.org
