As the government shutdown drags on, many Coloradans are facing food insecurity. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the urgency, stating that starting November 1, about 100,000 residents in Denver might lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This situation puts families at risk of going without meals.
In Colorado, over 600,000 people rely on SNAP for food, with half of them being children. The CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, Erin Pulling, noted that SNAP allocates around $120 million monthly. For every meal served by food banks, SNAP provides nine meals, underscoring its critical role in food security.
Without new funding, the state cannot load money onto EBT cards, which means more individuals will turn to local food banks for support. Pulling confirmed that they are ramping up efforts to meet the rising demand.
Food banks throughout the state are already feeling the strain. The Weld Food Bank reported a staggering 230% rise in visits to their emergency food program. Marketing Director Weston Edmonds shared that they’re now addressing about 30,000 monthly visits.
Similarly, the Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) in Summit County has had to cut budgets to save for increased demand. Executive Director Brianne Snow emphasized that SNAP is a vital safety net that prevents many from needing additional assistance.
The political stalemate between Republicans and Democrats exacerbates the situation, leaving local food banks calling for donations and volunteers to sustain their operations.
Recent studies underline the significance of assistance programs like SNAP. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP lifted about 3.5 million children out of poverty in 2020, demonstrating its importance beyond just food access.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, you can find resources through Colorado 211 by visiting their website or calling 211. You can also locate food banks via the Feeding Colorado website. Every effort counts, whether through donations or volunteering.
