DENVER (KDVR) – A concerning announcement has emerged from local governments, cautioning residents that the enduring federal government shutdown could lead to the suspension of November SNAP benefits. With no resolution in sight, this development could impact many families reliant on these essential funds.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a crucial role in supporting low-income families by supplementing their grocery budgets, ensuring they can purchase necessary food items. In Colorado alone, over 620,400 residents benefit from SNAP, with an impressive $117.93 million distributed this year, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Adams County Government took to its social media platforms to inform the public that both new and existing SNAP cases might not receive their benefits in November. However, individuals who apply or seek redetermination in October will still be eligible for their benefits for that month. The county assured that more details regarding the November benefits would be communicated once available.

“Adams County has no control over when benefits will be available because the availability of SNAP benefits depends completely on the federal government,” the agency stated. “We recognize that many residents depend on SNAP funding to feed their families, and we understand how unsettling this change in benefits can be.”

The county remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and is committed to providing its residents with the latest information and necessary support as developments unfold.

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.

“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.