CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County leaders are making a formal plea to federal representatives to continue funding SNAP-Ed programming, an area that U.S. legislators cut for the 2026 federal budget.

The federal funding cuts may eliminate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) nationwide. SNAP-Ed is the largest nutrition education program in the country, teaching people how to shop for and cook healthy meals on a limited budget.

One in seven residents in Chenango County relies on SNAP and are eligible for free SNAP-Ed educational programming and nutrition-based services. Programming cuts put households at risk in the county’s most vulnerable townships, including Bainbridge, Coventry, and New Berlin, where more than 33 percent of households are eligible for SNAP and SNAP-Ed benefits.

Federal SNAP cuts total an estimated $230 billion nationwide over 10 years. Advocates say cuts target fraud and abuse in the entitlement programs.

Even so, a resolution unanimously adopted by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors calls for a reinstatement of SNAP-Ed and voices opposition to federal cuts to the program.

In the resolution, county officials argue the merit of SNAP-Ed programming, stating that “SNAP-Ed plays a critical role in improving public health by helping low-income families make the most of their SNAP benefits and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases.”

“SNAP-Ed costs less than 1% of the federal SNAP budget; for every $1 spent on SNAP-Ed, $10.64 is estimated to be saved in healthcare costs,” according to the resolution.

A copy of the resolution will be sent to federal representatives for Chenango County.