2025 Wrap-up

Does anyone else feel like they’ve been through the wringer this year, or is it just us? 2025 has been a doozy of a year, and we’re still here, putting in our time, doing good work, and serving our communities. A quick snapshot of what we’ve been through:

• January: The new year brings changes to federal policy and structure.
• May: Minnesota hosts the rest of the Midwest Region SNAP-Ed programs for an awesome meeting. We got to showcase the work we do here; how the state, U of M and Tribal Nations work together; and connect with other states. Afterward, we spent a morning revisiting the state’s strategic plan, making it simpler and more relevant to our varied programs.
• A federal budget proposal eliminates funding for SNAP-Ed.
• May – June: Many of you participated in talking to partners, talking to leadership, talking to politicians, talking to anyone about the importance of SNAP-Ed.
• July: Congress passes HR1, and the president signs the bill, which eliminates funding for SNAP-Ed.
• Rest of the summer: We all try to figure out what this means for our programs. Some start transitioning internally to other departments. We said goodbye to talented and valued staff who were embedded in their communities and made a huge impact. Despite all the uncertainty, we submited a workplan to continue into FFY26.
• Fall and winter: Business as (kind-of) normal? Contracting and reporting, SEEDS and NPEARS all happen. Every SNAP-Ed program is continuing to operate in some capacity.

Throughout this crazy year, awesome things were happening. You were out at health fairs, farmers markets, State of the Band meetings and other community events promoting healthy eating and physical activity. You Bingocized, you Go Wilded, you Cooking Mattered, you 13 Mooned with kids, families and elders. You started seeds, tended gardens and shared the bounty. You sat on committees to influence PSE changes. You attended the Native Nutrition Conference and other professional development opportunities to further skills and deepen understanding. You pushed the boundaries and conventions of evaluation. You planned for the future. You did too many things to list here all under uncertain circumstances.

We are so grateful for your partnership, professionalism, patience, and humor throughout 2025. It has been an honor to serve as your grant managers this year, and to witness the creativity and resilience it has taken to continue the work. We value each and every one of you, and are excited to continue into 2026.

Miigwech, Pidamaya, Thank you,

Veronica, Amy and Rachel