Another Long Beach health department program has ended after additional federal funding cuts, the city recently announced.
Funding for the program, dubbed Healthy Active Long Beach, was historically supported by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (otherwise known as SNAP-Ed) — which was recently eliminated after Congress approved the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Healthy Active Long Beach operated for more than two decades, the city said, offering free nutrition and physical education to residents. It reached more than 30,000 residents each year.
“Its impact has been far-reaching by improving food access, creating active living opportunities and building a healthier Long Beach,” the city’s Dec. 24 announcement said. “The loss of approximately $900,000 in annual SNAP-Ed funding makes it impossible to continue delivering the vital HALB services that promote healthy eating and living, and equitable access to wellness resources.”
Community members participate in various Healthy Active Long Beach program events. (Photo courtesy City of Long Beach).
Community members participate in various Healthy Active Long Beach program events. (Photo courtesy City of Long Beach).
Community members participate in various Healthy Active Long Beach program events. (Photo courtesy City of Long Beach).
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Community members participate in various Healthy Active Long Beach program events. (Photo courtesy City of Long Beach).
A few other health department resources and programs shuttered in 2025 because of impacts from federal funding changes.
In July, for example, the department was forced to end some of its HIV and STI services after losing a significant chunk of federal dollars. In September, the department’s Fundamentals of Fatherhood program also shuttered after federal grant funding expired; and in the same month, the department shut down its resource line, citing the conclusion of temporary federal funds.
Healthy Active Long Beach officially ended on Sept. 30, meaning the health department no longer offers several key resources, including:
Nutrition and fitness education for youth, adults, families and older adults directly or through community organizations.
Cooking classes and food education.
School-based physical activity programs aimed at addressing obesity and chronic disease rates.
Assistance to help corner markets improve access to fresh produce.
Supplies and guidance for more than 30 school gardens.
Community outreach events, including ReThink Your Drink.
Free cookbooks, recipe cards, posters, signage and other wellness resources.
Despite the conclusion of long-term funding for the program, Long Beach said it has received limited funding from the California Department of Public Health to help facilitate the end of Healthy Active Long Beach through April 2026.
That funding, the city said, will allow the health department to continue sharing cookbooks, training guides and physical activity equipment with local partners.
Long Beach also said it is working with various partners — including the Long Beach Unified School District; the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department; and others — to continue certain elements of the program, including Walk to School Week.
“Long Beach joins other cities across Los Angeles County and beyond in experiencing the impact of SNAP-Ed funding cuts,” the city said. “Despite HALB’s conclusion, the city remains committed to public health and will continue working with local partners to explore new opportunities that support healthy living.”
Long Beach residents can learn more about how federal funding changes are impacting the city at longbeach.gov/FedFundingUpdates.