MSU Extension SNAP-Ed

30+ Years of Success

For over 30 years, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension SNAP-Ed educators and instructors delivered evidence-based, hands-on nutrition and physical activity learning opportunities that empowered youth and adults to build healthy eating habits and be more active on a limited budget. Following a federal decision to end funding, the program was discontinued after July 4, 2025.

SNAP-Ed Programming Throughout the State

In FY25 overall, MSU Extension reached 113,929 individuals through nutrition and physical activity promotion and education, PSE (policy, systems, and environmental) change efforts, and worked collaboratively with 1,050 partners and 180 coalitions throughout the state.

What We Did

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed).

SNAP-Ed was the nutrition education program designed to reduce hunger and food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits for SNAP-Ed eligible populations. MSU Extension SNAP-Ed community nutrition instructors taught youth, individuals, and families how to make health a priority. The goal of SNAP- Ed was to improve the likelihood that SNAP-Ed eligible persons made healthy food choices within a limited budget and chose physically active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA food guidance.

Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Change

• 381 Community sites reached.
• 78,551 Children and adults reached.

PSE Site Changes Made

• 767 Nutrition changes
• 173 Physical activity changes
• 13 Nutrition and physical activity changes
• 400 Environmental changes
• 454 System changes

PSE Success Story

With guidance from a SNAP-Ed instructor and support from Lakeshore Food Club and other awarded resources, Gateway 2 Success students and staff established a food club at their school. The Mason County food club offers an innovative, client-centered grocery model that provides a dignified way to access food while reducing stigma for students experiencing food insecurity.

Direct Education

• 8,211 Direct education sessions offered.
• 8,102 Face-to-face sessions.
• 109 Hybrid sessions.

Adult Dietary Improvements

• 22% Consumed less soda per day.
• 41% Ate more fruits per day.
• 39% Ate more vegetables per day.

Adult Physical Activity Improvements

• 37% Increased moderate physical activity participation.
• 35% Increased strength training activities.

Youth Health and Nutrition Impact (3^rd-12^th Grade)

• 30% Increased vegetable consumption.
• 33% Decreased soda consumption.
• 34% Increased physical activity.
• 32% Decreased screen time.

Youth Health and Nutrition Impact (K-2^nd Grade)

• 93% Washed their hands more before handling food.
• 62% Bring more fruits and veggies as snacks.
• 98% Can identify healthy food choices.
• 85% Increased physical activity.
• 90% Are now eating more fruits and vegetables.

Social Marketing – Move Your Way®

In FY25, MSU Extension continued to partner with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) to promote the Move Your Way® campaign as a social marketing effort to encourage physical activity participation among SNAP-Ed eligible adults.

• 8-month campaign (January-August 2025).
• 935,676 Estimated eligible adults across 28 targeted counties.
• 10,746,626 total impressions.
• 42,486 views on MSU Extension physical activity website.

Social Media

• 2,751 Instagram impressions.
• 244 Video hours watched on YouTube.
• 9,576 Total videos viewed on YouTube.
• 151,639 MI Health Matters Facebook impressions.
• 178 MI Health Matters educational videos now available.

SNAP-Ed Success Stories

Chippewa County

In partnership with staff from the Sault Tribe Health Center, the local SNAP-Ed instructor offered an interactive cooking workshop focused on recipes adapted to use locally sourced, Indigenous ingredients while limiting added sodium and sugar.

Oscoda County

A program participant contacted her SNAP-Ed Instructor to report that she had lost 70 pounds, has more energy, and is feeling much better since attending her class.

Gladwin County

Upon finishing the six-week nutrition series facilitated by  a SNAP-Ed instructor, 31 participants became eligible to receive up to $100 in produce vouchers, provided through a partnership with MyMichigan Health, for use at local grocery stores.

Muskegon County

With support from MSU Extension, Bright Futures Daycare and Preschool installed an edible teaching garden to promote healthy eating and hands-on learning. Children helped plant and care for the herbs and vegetables while learning about healthy eating. The garden has become a living classroom, encouraging kids to try new foods and helping families support healthy eating at home.

Wayne County

A group of adults with cognitive impairments at the MiSide Clubhouse participated in a SNAP-Ed series with a lesson focused on choosing water over sugary beverages. As a result, participants are purchasing fewer high-sugar drinks, refilling their MSU Extension water bottles one to two times daily, and drinking more water at home.

St. Clair County

A partner in St. Clair County shared heartfelt feedback following the announced end of the SNAP-Ed program and the elimination of a 30-year veteran instructor, “You have helped so many people throughout the community, often during some of the most difficult times of their lives. You have been a blessing to all of us and are the reason we are able to do what we do to help fight food insecurity.”

Monroe County

In collaboration with the Monroe County WIC Program, the SNAP-Ed instructor helped recruit Parran’s Greenhouse and Farm Market to begin accepting WIC Produce Connection e-benefits from Monroe WIC families.