1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I’m writing a strongly urge you to oppose any budget proposal that would eliminate Snap Ed also called the national education and obesity prevention grant program. While I understand that tough budget decisions are being made Snap Ed is a critical cost-effective federal program that provides nutrition, education, and obesity prevention programming to low income, individuals, and families. Snap Ed is unique and non-duplicative no other programs offer consistent nationwide funding for this kind of preventative work. Unlike many nutrition programs that are sporadically funded and limited in reach snap Ed operates in every state partnering with community based organizations, schools, food stores, farmers markets, food, pantries, and public agencies to improve health outcomes at the community level. The impact is measurable: it costs just $5.15 per year per beneficiary less than one percent of the total snap budget. After just one year participating in the program 40% of participants increased fruit and vegetable intake and reduced consumption of sugar, sweeten beverages and 35% more became more physically active. For every one dollar invested in snap Ed at least $5.36 can be saved in future healthcare costs.