Long Beach Health Department Announces Conclusion of Healthy Active Long Beach Program Following Loss of Federal Funding

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Community members participate in various Healthy Active Long Beach program events. The program, which launched in 2003, has provided over 30,000 residents annually with free nutrition and physical activity education. HALB has concluded after more than 20 years of service as a result of federal funding loss.

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

For more than 20 years, HALB has provided free nutrition and physical activity education to the Long Beach community. Since its launch in 2003, HALB has reached more than 30,000 residents annually and has been recognized as a model for local health promotion. Its impact has been far-reaching by improving food access, creating active living opportunities and building a healthier Long Beach.

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. As a result of this loss of funding that has traditionally funded this important public health program, the following services will no longer be offered by the Health Department:

• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Community Support: evidence-based nutrition and fitness education for youth, adults, families and older adults, offered directly and through coordinated partnerships with community organizations.
• Cooking and Food Education: hands-on cooking classes and skill-building to promote healthy eating.
• Youth Physical Activity Programs: school-based programs that promote physical activity and address obesity and chronic disease rates in Long Beach.
• Healthy Market Partnership: support for corner markets to improve access to fresh produce.
• School Garden Support: supplies and guidance for more than 30 local school gardens.
• Community Outreach Events: initiatives such as ReThink Your Drink and seasonal outreach campaigns encouraging active living.
• Educational Materials: free cookbooks, recipe cards, posters, signage and other wellness resources.

Although 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 responsible transition through April 2026. Through this funding, the department is sharing cookbooks, training guides and physical activity equipment with local partners to help sustain wellness education citywide.

The Health Department is working closely with partners such as Long Beach Unified School District, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department and the Greenlight LB and Walk and Roll programs to continue elements of HALB, such as Walk to School Week, an annual citywide event that promotes the importance of physical activity, pedestrian safety and relieving traffic congestion near school zones through community engagement and activities for school-aged children and their families.

Long Beach joins other cities across Los Angeles County and beyond in experiencing the impact of SNAP-Ed funding cuts. 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.

To contribute to local health efforts, community members can make a tax-deductible donation to the Health and Human Services Fund through the Long Beach Community Foundation.

The City of Long Beach is committed to keeping the community informed of the ongoing developments related to the loss, and possible future loss, of federal funding and its impacts on local programs provided by the City. Stay informed by visiting longbeach.gov/FedFundingUpdates.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

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