(KAIR)--The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, a program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides food buying assistance low income individuals. The program, formerly known as food stamps, served more than 47-million Americans last year.
However, with the passage of the Farm Bill by the United States Congress earlier this month, funding to the program will be cut by eight billion dollars over the next decade. K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Specialist Sandy Proctor explains the reduction comes from closing a loophole that had been identified in some states that triggered an increase in food stamp funds when a heating assistance was given that would trigger higher SNAP benefits.
The SNAP program also offers more than just food purchasing assistance. Proctor says SNAP-Ed educates those enrolled in the program through a wide range network. In Kansas, the program is delivered through extension. That means there are about fifty to sixty educators hired across the state doing different programing in their local communities to help those who are eligible for SNAP benefits
Proctor says the Family Nutrition Program offers more to SNAP recipients than just how to stretch limited resources. Another focus of the program is obesity prevention. They address not just the weight of the participants, but also help them understand that if they are overweight, eating healthy can help them lose weight in a safe manner.
Proctor says that not all Family Nutrition Programs are targeted at adults and it is important for children to be exposed to all of this information as well.
Additional health and nutrition information can be found at your local county or district extension office or by visiting the extension website www.ksre.ksu.edu.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
LATEST STORIES
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Plastic ducks set to race in Atchison Saturday