Adagio Health Advocates for the Protection of SNAP-Education Funding
Adagio Health is raising concern as Congress considers budget proposals that could eliminate all federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). The result would be an abrupt loss of critical nutrition education and food access programming for thousands of Pennsylvanians — including families, children, farmers, veterans, schools, and healthcare providers.
“SNAP-Ed is one of the most effective tools we have to connect food, health, and community resilience,” said BJ Leber, President and CEO of Adagio Health. “Its potential loss would be felt far beyond any one classroom or community. The ripple effect would be profound — especially in rural areas and other communities where access to resources is limited.”
In western Pennsylvania, Adagio Health delivers SNAP-Ed through trusted partnerships with schools, early learning centers, health systems, food pantries, and community sites. The program equips families with practical skills like how to shop on a budget, read nutrition labels, prepare healthy meals, and reduce food waste. It also strengthens local food systems by supporting corner stores and connecting participants to local farmers markets. SNAP-Education has strong ties to Pennsylvania agriculture, education, healthcare and commerce, both programmatically and in many cases financially.
If eliminated, the consequences would be wide-ranging:
- Children would lose access to nutrition education tied to lifelong health and learning outcomes.
- Low-income families would lose support that helps prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Schools and early learning centers would lose a trusted partner in promoting student wellness.
- Healthcare providers would lose a vital prevention and chronic disease management tool.
- Local farmers and food retailers would see reduced demand for fresh, healthy products.
In communities already impacted by poverty, rural hospital closures, and rising food prices, the disappearance of SNAP-Ed would deepen inequities and stretch public health systems even further.
While Congress has not yet finalized decisions on continued funding for SNAP-Education, Adagio Health encourages stakeholders to remain informed about the vital role programs like SNAP-Ed play in supporting health and opportunity across the Commonwealth.
For more information about what you can do to help, please visit: https://adagiohealth.org/advocacy
