URGENT UPDATE: Colorado’s food banks are bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand as SNAP benefits face a critical cutoff starting in November. With 600,000 SNAP recipients in Colorado, including many children, local food assistance programs are mobilizing to support thousands more residents left vulnerable due to funding lapses.
Just announced: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted the release of SNAP funds amid a government shutdown, leaving many Coloradans without essential food support. Although federal judges recently ordered the administration to utilize emergency funds for partial SNAP benefits, the exact timing of aid remains uncertain, causing anxiety for families dependent on food assistance.
In a stark warning, officials report that food banks like Food Bank of the Rockies are already experiencing increased demand, with a 50% uptick in website inquiries for food distribution locations. Director Amber Hennings emphasized the dire situation, stating, “We are expecting a huge increase in people visiting our food pantry locations.”
As the month begins, counties across Colorado have begun notifying households of the suspension of benefits. Namrata Shrestha from the West Mountain Regional Health Alliance highlighted that in affected counties, around 50% of the impacted population are children. “Including Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle, we have about 6,000 individuals impacted,” she stated.
In response to this crisis, Governor Jared Polis has requested $10 million in state aid for food banks, which was recently approved by the Joint Budget Committee. This funding will directly assist local food banks, including Food Bank of the Rockies, to mitigate the impact of lost SNAP benefits.
With winter approaching, food insecurity is exacerbated in rural areas. According to a survey, about 29% of residents in the Parachute to Aspen corridor reported that winter is the hardest season for food access. Many residents make too much to qualify for SNAP, forcing them to rely on food banks and pantries.
Food banks anticipate a significant increase in visitors, with LIFT-UP noting that their pantries have already seen an uptick in clients preparing for the potential suspension of benefits. “We’ve definitely seen an inverted relationship between demand and donations,” said interim executive director Elyse Hottel. She estimates that 75% of pantry visitors may be SNAP recipients in need of additional support.
Meanwhile, local organizations are rallying for urgent help. Hottel emphasizes the need for “Funds, friends, and food,” urging community members to contribute cash donations, volunteer time, or organize food drives. “Anything really helps,” she added, highlighting the critical nature of support needed during this crisis.
Residents are encouraged to apply for SNAP benefits even during the funding lapse. Longhurst-Pritt from Garfield County Human Services reassured applicants that benefits would be backdated once the federal budget is passed. “We’re still continuing our day jobs in processing applications,” she said.
For those in need, local resources are available through Feeding Colorado and 211 Colorado. As the situation develops, food banks and local assistance programs continue to collaborate to address the urgent needs of Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.
With the clock ticking, Colorado’s food banks are preparing for a humanitarian response that underscores the urgency and necessity of community support as they navigate this challenging landscape.
