News Summary
Over 100 employees at the SNAP-Ed program in Kentucky may face layoffs due to significant federal funding cuts after Congress eliminated education funding for the program. The impact is expected to disrupt vital nutritional education services previously reaching over 280,000 adults and 312,000 children. Kentucky received $11.2 million in SNAP-Ed funding in 2025, which supported essential programs assisting food-insecure families. Advocates warn that these cuts could worsen food insecurity in the state, with many communities heavily depending on SNAP resources.
Lexington, Kentucky – Over 100 employees at an educational program for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) recipients in Kentucky are facing potential layoffs following significant federal funding cuts. These cuts come after Congress passed a spending bill on July 4, eliminating the funding for the education component of the SNAP-Ed program.
The impending loss of funds is set to take effect on September 30, coinciding with the end of the federal fiscal year. In 2025, Kentucky had received $11.2 million in SNAP-Ed funding, which was crucial for supporting educational initiatives aimed at providing nutritional support to individuals and families reliant on food assistance.
The University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service administers the SNAP-Ed program, which focuses on educating individuals and families on topics such as proper nutrition, meal planning, and safe food handling. It is projected that the layoffs will significantly disrupt these services, which have previously reached over 280,000 adults and 312,000 children in 2024 alone.
According to statements from university officials, the loss of funds will necessitate a reduction in staff within the Cooperative Extension Service, which is responsible for delivering this crucial education to those facing food insecurities. While Kentucky State University also benefits from SNAP-Ed funding, it remains uncertain if their staff will experience similar layoffs as a result of the funding cuts.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees SNAP benefits in the state, has not provided any comments regarding the potential layoffs or the impact of the funding loss on local communities.
The recent SNAP cuts are part of a broader trend, totaling an estimated $230 billion over the next decade. These changes are expected to include increased work requirements for beneficiaries and a shift of costs to state governments, raising concerns among social service advocates about the potential ramifications for low-income families.
Recent analyses by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy highlight that these changes might reduce or entirely eliminate benefits for 562,000 Kentuckians, exacerbating the state’s ongoing struggles with food insecurity. Critics argue that eliminating educational programs such as SNAP-Ed undermines efforts to promote responsible food spending among low-income families, potentially worsening the situation for those in need.
Advocates assert that cutting vital educational resources while simultaneously shifting costs and requirements onto vulnerable populations is counterproductive and detrimental. As many communities in Kentucky depend heavily on SNAP, the anticipated layoffs and funding reductions are expected to strain local food assistance resources further, intensifying food insecurity issues across the state.
The legislation driving these cuts is primarily backed by Republican lawmakers, who contend it’s essential for addressing perceived fraud and inefficiencies within the SNAP program. Regardless, social service advocates express deep concern over the consequences these changes will have on families who rely on this essential support.
The anticipated layoffs and budget cuts reflect a challenging landscape for those in Kentucky who face food insecurity, revealing the complex intersections of federal policy, local programs, and community welfare. As the September deadline approaches, the fate of over 100 employees and the future of crucial educational services remains uncertain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Faces Challenges from New Spending Bill
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- LEX18
- WDRB
- FOX56 News
- Kentucky.com Politics
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Google Search: SNAP education
- Google Scholar: SNAP funding cuts impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Google News: Kentucky SNAP cuts
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LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
