Richard Kramarz, 77, from Bath, New York, was not a fan of chickpeas. He disliked everything about them—the taste, the look, and the texture. So when educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offered him chickpea salad during a cooking workshop, he hesitated.
“I didn’t want to eat it,” Kramarz recalled. “But they insisted I try just a little. It was surprisingly delicious, and I ended up wanting more.”
That moment marked a shift in Kramarz’s eating habits. Now, he makes chickpea salad several times a year. He’s reduced his ice cream to just once a week, and he uses CCE’s $20 weekly vouchers to buy mostly fruits and some veggies at a local market he otherwise couldn’t afford.
“Many of us don’t eat healthily or like to cook,” he said. “This program has helped me a lot. I’ve tried foods I normally wouldn’t, and I love attending the meetings.”
The FVRx program is part of SNAP-Ed NY, a federally funded initiative designed to help low-income residents improve their diet and access healthy food. In 2024, it reached over 200,000 people through workshops and millions through community changes. Educators assess local needs and offer programs in schools, hospitals, and community centers.
However, on July 4, funding for SNAP-Ed was cut. Many programs are set to end soon.
“This is a big loss for low-resource families,” said Angela Odoms-Young, an associate professor of nutrition at Cornell. “SNAP-Ed started in the 1990s to promote healthy habits among SNAP recipients and reduce healthcare costs. About six out of ten Americans have chronic diseases, many of which can be prevented by better nutrition.”
Education plays a critical role in the program. Odoms-Young pointed out that when individuals learn practical nutrition tips, they often apply them even after they stop using SNAP benefits.
In one year, over half of SNAP-Ed participants reported changes in their eating habits. Schools played a significant role, with 41% of the programs aimed at children aged 5-17. For example, Jennifer Chagoya, a mother from Middletown, New York, saw a major shift in her kids after they participated in the Market Sprouts program two years ago. Her daughter still talks about it, calling it the best thing she’s done at school.
Chagana noted, “We have many economically disadvantaged students, and this program has been invaluable in giving kids skills to bring home.”
SNAP-Ed not only educates but also addresses real-life challenges. Shayna Russo, a SNAP-Ed educator, explained how many families struggle to cook nutritious meals because they lack the knowledge or tools. For instance, she referred to a butternut squash, which might be given to someone who doesn’t know how to prepare it.
“Just giving people food isn’t enough,” Russo said. “You need to help them learn how to turn it into a meal.”
Educators have developed programs tailored to unique community needs, such as teaching cooking classes in food deserts or designing recipes using only dollar store ingredients. In Erie County, for example, CCE offers classes in programs aimed at job readiness, where many participants might go long periods without eating fruits or veggies.
“I’ve seen how crucial these workshops are for people,” said Alex Sanker, a career coach in that program. “You need good nutrition to perform well at work.”
Zahrine Bajwa, a regional director for CCE, emphasized the impact on immigrant families adjusting to new food cultures. Fast food, which is prevalent in the U.S., is often cheaper and easier than cooking healthy meals.
“Families may resort to fast food instead of preparing meals,” she explained.
Despite the funding cuts, CCE educators have become more coordinated thanks to new resources created during the pandemic, including digital classes. This collaborative spirit remains strong.
“The unity among educators enhances the community’s strength and resilience,” Russo said.
SNAP-Ed employs the equivalent of 200 full-time workers across New York, with 150 in CCE alone. Bajwa, proud of her team, said their work goes beyond just nutrition. “Every lesson instills the idea that health matters. These programs truly change lives for the better.”
For more information on SNAP-Ed and its impact, visit SNAP-Ed NY.
