DENVER (KDVR) — Local governments are warning citizens that because the federal government has been shut down for weeks with no end in sight, November SNAP benefits may not be issued.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food benefits to low-income families, giving them a supplemental grocery budget to be able to afford essential food. According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, over 620,400 Coloradans have SNAP benefits, with over $117.93 million of support dispersed so far this year.
The Adams County Government shared on its social media pages that new and ongoing cases will not receive November benefits. Applicants who apply or redetermine during October will still receive their October benefits, the government agency said. It said that it would share more information about the status of November benefits when it becomes available.
“Adams County has no control over when benefits will be available because availability of SNAP benefits depends completely on the federal government,” the government agency wrote. “We know many residents rely on SNAP funding to provide food for their families and know that this is an alarming change in benefits.”
The county said it is monitoring the situation to provide residents with the most up-to-date information and support possible.
It also pointed residents toward the Mile High United Way’s 211 Help Center and MyFriendBen, which is an open-source tool aimed at increasing opportunity for Colorado kids and families.
State, county officials warn of loss of food assistance access
Governor Jared Polis joined local and county officials in issuing warnings about the potential for no SNAP benefits to be issued on Nov. 1.
“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,” Polis said in a release.
He said that there are over 334,500 Colorado households that rely on SNAP, with 50% of SNAP recipients being children and 10% being older adults.
The state is pointing Coloradoans toward these resources:
Colorado 211: Dial 211 or 866-760-5489 or visit www.211colorado.org
Feeding Colorado Resources at www.feedingcolorado.org/find-food or info@feedingcolorado.org
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and First Lady Courtney Johnston are planning to volunteer at the Food Bank of the Rockies on Saturday as part of the First Lady’s Give5 Mile High Initiative, but also to encourage monetary donations to the food bank to help individuals who are poised to lose their SNAP benefits next month.
Weld County Department of Human Services said that if SNAP benefits are not distributed, it will impact 18,774 cases in Weld County. The county alone receives about $7,264,580 each month in benefits.
Boulder food pantry reports increases in food insecurity amid SNAP cuts
“There will be a lot of families throughout Weld County who will need additional assistance with basic essentials if the November benefits are delayed,” said Weld County Department of Human Services Director Jamie Ulrich. “This will put even more pressure on local resources, such as community food banks, to try to provide assistance to families in need.”
Weld County plans to continue to process SNAP applications and redeterminations as benefits are expected to resume when the shutdown is over, with additional information online here. Boulder County also said that applicants should continue to apply for benefits, and said that it would share information on the TANF, HUD and Boulder County WIC program benefits when information is available.
“Programs like Social Security, Medicare, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) are not currently affected by this shutdown. However, community members receiving payments may face delays if a government shutdown continues,” Boulder County warned.
