Long Beach Health Department Announces Conclusion of Healthy Active Long Beach Program Following Loss of Federal Funding
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - After more than 20 years of service, the Healthy Active Long Beach (HALB) program has come to an end due to a loss of federal funding. The program, launched in 2003 by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), provided free nutrition and physical activity education to the community and reached over 30,000 residents annually.

The decision to conclude HALB was a result of 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). This program is the nation's largest nutrition education initiative and its loss of approximately $900,000 in annual funding made it impossible for HALB to continue its services.

Since its inception, HALB has been recognized as a model for local health promotion by improving food access, creating active living opportunities, and building a healthier Long Beach. Its impact has been far-reaching and has played a significant role in promoting healthy eating and living as well as providing equitable access to wellness resources.

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Unfortunately, with the loss of SNAP-Ed funding, the Health Department will no longer be able to offer vital services such as evidence-based nutrition and fitness education for youth, adults, families, and older adults. Other services that will no longer be available include hands-on cooking classes, school-based physical activity programs, support for corner markets to improve access to fresh produce, supplies and guidance for school gardens, community outreach events promoting active living, and educational materials such as cookbooks and recipe cards.

Although direct services ended on September 30th of this year, the Health Department received limited short-term funding from the California Department of Public Health to support a responsible transition through April 2026. During this time period, they will be sharing resources such as cookbooks, training guides, and physical activity equipment with local partners in an effort to sustain wellness education citywide.

The Health Department is also working closely with partners such as the 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. This includes events like Walk to School Week, an annual citywide event that promotes physical activity, pedestrian safety, and relieving traffic congestion near school zones through community engagement and activities for school-aged children and their families.

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Long Beach is not alone in experiencing the impact of SNAP-Ed funding cuts. Other cities across Los Angeles County and beyond are also facing similar challenges. Despite the conclusion of HALB, the City remains committed to public health and will continue working with local partners to explore new opportunities that support healthy living.

For those who wish to contribute to local health efforts, tax-deductible donations can be made to the Health and Human Services Fund through the Long Beach Community Foundation. The City of Long Beach is dedicated to keeping the community informed about ongoing developments related to federal funding cuts and their impacts on local programs. For updates, visit longbeach.gov/FedFundingUpdates.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

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