(KAIR)--The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, a program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides food buying assistance low income individuals. The program, formerly known as food stamps, served more than 47-million Americans last year.

However, with the passage of the Farm Bill by the United States Congress earlier this month, funding to the program will be cut by eight billion dollars over the next decade. K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Specialist Sandy Proctor explains the reduction comes from closing a loophole that had been identified in some states that triggered an increase in food stamp funds when a heating assistance was given that would trigger higher SNAP benefits.

The SNAP program also offers more than just food purchasing assistance. Proctor says SNAP-Ed educates those enrolled in the program through a wide range network. In Kansas, the program is delivered through extension. That means there are about fifty to sixty educators hired across the state doing different programing in their local communities to help those who are eligible for SNAP benefits

Proctor says the Family Nutrition Program offers more to SNAP recipients than just how to stretch limited resources. Another focus of the program is obesity prevention. They address not just the weight of the participants, but also help them understand that if they are overweight, eating healthy can help them lose weight in a safe manner.

Proctor says that not all Family Nutrition Programs are targeted at adults and it is important for children to be exposed to all of this information as well.

Additional health and nutrition information can be found at your local county or district extension office or by visiting the extension website www.ksre.ksu.edu.