DENVER - Due to the shutdown of the federal government and Congressional Republicans' inability to govern responsibly, on November 1st, 600,000 Coloradans who access the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) initiative for food could lose the ability to feed themselves and their families. Colorado families and children could go hungry without access to SNAP and the State of Colorado cannot fund this federal initiative to the tune of $120 million per month or $1.48 billion per year. 334,590 households or 614,911 individuals rely on SNAP. 50% are children, 10% elderly, and 15% with disabilities.
“Our State is looking at all options for helping feed families in need and is currently having conversations about the negative impacts this will create and how to support people should the federal government not reopen. It’s time for Republicans to do the right thing and lower health care costs, reopen the federal government, and help provide food security to hardworking Coloradans, children, and people across the country,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
The federal government shutdown means the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not send states the money for November SNAP benefits. The state cannot put the money on EBT cards until this changes. This is a change impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed.
If Colorado families and individuals need more food resources during the government shutdown, the State encourages Coloradans to reach out to your local food banks or community agencies in your area.
To find these resources in your area, please contact:
- Colorado 211: Dial 2-1-1 or (866)760-5489 or visit www.211colorado.org
- Feeding Colorado Resources at www.feedingcolorado.org/find-food or info@feedingcolorado.org
When the shutdown ends, there will be more information to share about the future of SNAP benefits. More up-to-date information can be found on the Colorado PEAK website: https://co.gov/peak
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