UF/IFAS Family Nutrition Program ‘sunsetting’ after nearly 30 years

Sep 2, 2025 2:45 pm
The UF-IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program announced Tuesday that it will be ending, effective Sept. 30. Courtesy UF-IFAS
The UF-IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program announced Tuesday that it will be ending, effective Sept. 30.
Courtesy UF-IFAS

After nearly 30 years of offering free nutrition education to SNAP-eligible individuals in Florida, the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) announced Tuesday that it will be sunsetting, effective Sept. 30.  

“For almost 30 years, we’ve had the privilege to work side by side with families and community partners across Florida to foster lifelong healthy habits through nutrition education and improved access to nutritious foods,” UF FNP said in a Facebook post. “It has been an honor and a joy to be part of this journey with you. The strength, care, and commitment we’ve seen in our communities has inspired our team deeply. We’re incredibly grateful to all who made this work possible.” 

In the post, UF FNP said its discontinuation is “due to the elimination of federal funding for SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) programs.” 

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According to UF FNP’s 2024 impact report, SNAP-Ed “is a federally grant program that teaches people who use or are eligible for SNAP benefits about good nutrition, physical activity, and how to stretch their food dollars further.” 

Funding for the SNAP-Ed program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), according to the report.  

UF FNP’s impact goes beyond just Gainesville, which is home to its main office. In 2024, the program served more than 30 counties statewide, including Alachua, according to the report. In total, the UF FNP managed to reach over 270,000 youth at close to 4,000 locations with the assistance from more than 570 partnerships throughout the state.  

In the social media post, UF FNP said its team is “actively working with partners to review current projects and support a smooth wrap-up.” 

“While this change is difficult, our dedication to the health and well-being of Florida families remains strong,” the post said.  

For additional local programming and resources, UF FNP encourages folks to visit their local UF/IFAS Extension at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.  

Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.   

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  • Nick Anschultz

    Before joining Mainstreet Daily News to cover K-12 and higher education, Nick spent three and a half years at the Levy Citizen, where he served as the newspaper’s editor/reporter. In that role, Nick covered everything from government and education to sports and local events. He discovered his passion for journalism while attending the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in May 2021. When he is not typing words on his keyboard, you can usually find Anschultz watching sports – especially his Florida Gators – fishing, or spending time with friends and family. Nick is also a Report for America corps member.

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Jim Massouri

Sorry to hear this, but I thought the tariffs were going to collect the most taxes ever and pay for everything? What happened? Did we get all the folks that had jobs working on this program some new bigger jobs working for Doge? I sure hope so! If not, I’m sure they’ll need some cannon fodder for the war with Venezuela.

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