The Impact of Defunding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Louisiana

Authors

• Virginia Bordelon, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow
• Senlin Chen, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow
• Yuxin Nie, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow
• Denise Holston, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow
• Jessice Stroope, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) was a federally funded initiative that aims to improve nutrition knowledge, promote physical activity, and provide education through Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) strategies. This study examined the relationship between the defunding of SNAP-Ed and how nutrition and physical activity were affected among low-income families. Data for this study originated an interview with a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) economist, an interview with SNAP-Ed field agent, and survey responses from 32 adult participants familiar with SNAP. The SNAP recipients use the education program resources to assist in healthy recipes, physical
education opportunities, and budgeting. Findings from the interviews highlight the importance of SNAP-Ed while the survey highlights recipients’ opinions of SNAP and SNAP-Ed. Interview findings revealed the current defunded state of SNAP-Ed with the most impacted groups being low socioeconomic status (SES) areas losing education and resources. Additionally, the qualitative data revealed the loss of the program resulted in the loss of physical activity
opportunities and PSE changes that historically improved health rates to those in Louisiana. Survey results indicated reliance on SNAP benefits among younger adults, with long-term usage. The majority of respondents reported SNAP benefits as very helpful for food assistance, but additionally reported meal skipping and usage of food banks. While respondents identified
SNAP-Ed as important for community health, fewer reported directly relying on SNAP-Ed for nutrition or physical activity education. SNAP-Ed usage contributes to addressing the nutrition and physical activity needs of citizens from lower-income households, but the loss of this program left significant gaps in access to education and resources.

Recommended Citation

Bordelon, V., Chen, S., Nie, Y., Holston, D., & Stroope, J. (2026). The Impact of Defunding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Louisiana. Retrieved from https://repository.lsu.edu/discover_dur/40

Awardee Name

Virginia Bordelon

Academic Major

Kinesiology

Project Mentor

Senlin Chen