Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education programs in promoting positive long-term health outcomes within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Members heard from a panel of witnesses who discussed the history and evolution of SNAP-Ed, various program models, how SNAP-Ed complements and works with other nutrition education programs, and the efforts currently in place to ensure dollars spent on the program are used effectively. This hearing is a continuation of the committee’s ongoing review known as the Past, Present, and Future of SNAP. 

“As we continue our review of SNAP, it is important we look into all aspects of the program, including SNAP-Ed, to ensure federal dollars are being used effectively. For many Americans, obesity and chronic disease are major health concerns. Programs like SNAP-Ed are working to combat these health risks by promoting healthy lifestyles and educating SNAP recipients on how to purchase and cook nutritious food options. Today, we discussed the importance of measuring outcomes and evaluating effectiveness of nutrition education programs to see where improvements can be made in promoting health and improving the diets among families across the country,” said Chairman K. Michael Conaway.

SNAP-Ed is a component of SNAP with the mission to “improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy choices within a limited budget and choose active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.”