Up to $10 million in emergency food bank support, extended WIC funding authority, SNAP heatmap, and new philanthropic partnership aim to keep Coloradans fed as federal shutdown continues
DENVER — Governor Jared Polis, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, and community leaders today announced new steps to protect Coloradans as the federal government’s shutdown threatens to halt funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food access to more than 600,000 Coloradans — half of whom are children.
Following direction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on October 10 to suspend the release of November SNAP food access, Colorado is moving swiftly to support families and communities across the state. This morning, the Governor’s Office submitted two requests to the Joint Budget Committee: one to consider approval for up to $10 million in General Fund revenue to support food banks and pantries, and another to extend previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition access through November. WIC supports food access for nearly 100,000 women and children in Colorado.
The state is also announcing a new philanthropic initiative through Feeding Colorado that invites individuals and businesses to help meet the growing demand for food assistance by donating, and is launching a map to show where Coloradans rely most on SNAP support.
“Coloradans take care of one another, and we’re stepping up to make sure hardworking families can continue putting food on the table while federal funding is on hold,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We’re providing emergency state support for food banks, extending WIC access, and giving every Coloradan an opportunity to help by donating to FeedingColorado.org/donate. Together, we can make sure every family has access to healthy food and every community has the support it needs during this challenging time.”
“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health. Our administration is working to ensure that every Coloradan has the resources they need to stay healthy and thrive, no matter what’s happening in Washington,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “When students are hungry, it's hard for them to focus on learning. Many of our families rely on SNAP to help them buy groceries and provide nutritious meals for their kids. We’re working with schools and local partners to connect families to food resources so every student has the energy and focus they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Dr. Susana Cordova, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education.
"Our priority is to make sure no Coloradan goes hungry and has access to the healthy food they need during the federal shutdown while SNAP benefits are on hold. CDHS and our county partners are coordinating with food banks to fill gaps where we can, and we are processing applications daily to make sure Coloradans get their SNAP benefits the moment federal funding resumes," said Minna Castillo, Deputy Executive Director, Colorado Department of Human Services.
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) administers SNAP, which provides grocery benefits to more than 600,000 Coloradans across 330,000 households — half of whom are children, with 10% elderly and 15% living with disabilities. The program distributes approximately $120 million in benefits each month, supporting local grocers, farmers, and nearly 10,000 grocery workers statewide. On average, every dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.50 in local economic activity, strengthening small businesses and rural economies alike. SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state; as a result of the ongoing federal shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed all states to pause November benefits until additional federal funds are released. In the meantime, CDHS is coordinating closely with counties, food banks, and community organizations to ensure families are informed, applications continue to be processed, and local partners have the resources to meet increased demand.
“Right now, food banks are serving more families than ever before — in some areas, we’re seeing a week’s worth of visitors in a single day. This state support will help us to purchase food at scale, stretch every dollar further, and immediately step up to respond to the growing need across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Coloradans have always looked out for one another, and this partnership ensures we can continue doing just that,” said Erin Pulling, President & CEO, Food Bank of the Rockies.
Later today, Governor Polis will be visiting the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado in Colorado Springs. They also have food banks located in Pueblo and Alamosa. The organization distributes food to 291 partners across 29 counties. Governor Polis will tour the facility, and meet with staff to discuss the impacts the federal shutdown and SNAP cuts are having on Coloradans and their communities.
If Colorado families and individuals need more food resources during the government shutdown, the State encourages Coloradans to reach out to 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)760-6489 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.
Those able to help are encouraged to donate to local food banks. While canned goods are welcome, financial donations go further — every dollar helps food banks purchase and distribute more meals statewide. Donations can be made at FeedingColorado.org/donate.
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