SNAP-Ed programs nationwide focused on promoting healthy eating, nutrition education and obesity prevention, particularly among low-income populations. Photo designed by Magnific, www.magnific.com.

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - A federally funded nutrition education program that provided services in rural communities across Butte County ended last month after Congress eliminated funding, forcing the county to close out the effort earlier than planned.

The Butte County Board of Supervisors on April 14 confirmed termination of the CalFresh Healthy Living program, commonly known as SNAP-Ed, following official notice from the California Department of Public Health.

The program, originally funded through a federal grant running from October 2023 through September 2026, ended April 30, 2026.

County officials said the termination stemmed from the passage of United States House Resolution 1, which eliminated mandatory funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program after the 2025 federal fiscal year.

SNAP-Ed programs nationwide focused on promoting healthy eating, nutrition education and obesity prevention, particularly among low-income populations, including residents in rural communities such as Gridley and surrounding areas.

In Butte County, the program was administered through the Public Health Department and included education and outreach designed to improve long-term health outcomes, often delivered through partnerships with community organizations serving outlying areas.

County staff indicated the loss of funding had already been anticipated and incorporated into the current budget cycle.

The program’s closure did not result in layoffs, with one full-time employee reassigned to other public health programs effective May 1.

As part of the shutdown process, the county is required to complete final reporting, training and invoicing requirements set by the state before formally closing out the grant.

The board’s action acknowledged receipt of the termination notice and authorized completion of the required closeout steps.