Healthy Active Long Beach Program Concludes After Federal SNAP-Ed Funding Cuts

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has concluded its Healthy Active Long Beach (HALB) program following the recent passage of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminated federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)—the nation’s largest nutrition education initiative.

For more than two decades, HALB played a meaningful role in promoting healthy living across Long Beach. Since launching in 2003, the program reached more than 30,000 residents each year and became a nationally recognized model for community-based health promotion. Through education, partnerships and hands-on programming, HALB helped improve food access, encourage physical activity and support healthier lifestyles for residents of all ages.

The loss of approximately $900,000 in annual SNAP-Ed funding makes it no longer possible for the Health Department to continue delivering HALB’s core services. As a result, the following programs and resources are no longer being offered:

• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Community Support: Evidence-based education for youth, adults, families and older adults, provided directly and through community partnerships

• Cooking and Food Education: Hands-on cooking classes and nutrition skill-building

• Youth Physical Activity Programs: School-based initiatives addressing physical activity, obesity and chronic disease

• Healthy Market Partnership: Support for neighborhood corner markets to expand access to fresh produce

• School Garden Support: Supplies and guidance for more than 30 local school gardens

• Community Outreach Events: Campaigns such as ReThink Your Drink and seasonal efforts promoting active living

• Educational Materials: Free cookbooks, recipe cards, signage and other wellness resources

While direct services ended on Sept. 30, 2025, the Health Department received limited short-term funding from the California Department of Public Health to support a thoughtful transition through April 2026. During this time, the department is distributing cookbooks, training materials and physical activity equipment to local partners to help sustain wellness education efforts across the city.

The Health Department continues to work with partners including Long Beach Unified School District, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, and the Greenlight LB and Walk & Roll programs to carry forward select elements of HALB, including ongoing support for Walk to School Week, a citywide event promoting physical activity and pedestrian safety.

While Long Beach joins cities across the region and nation in experiencing the impact of SNAP-Ed funding cuts, the City remains committed to public health and will continue exploring new opportunities to support healthy, active living.

Community members who wish to support local health efforts may make a tax-deductible donation to the Health and Human Services Fund through the Long Beach Community Foundation. For updates on federal funding impacts, visit longbeach.gov/FedFundingUpdates.