The Maryland SNAP-Ed program, which has provided free nutrition education to low-income families and SNAP participants for years, will shut down on October 1 following new provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill signed into law in July.
Operated through the University of Maryland Extension, SNAP-Ed is fully funded by the federal government. In fiscal year 2024, the program received nearly $6.3 million in federal support. Its closure will affect 700 community partners, including schools, Head Start Centers, Judy Centers, and other food access programs, and leave 70 employees without jobs.
Lisa Lachenmayr, the program’s director, said the shutdown is a devastating blow to communities across the state…