Food Bank of the Rockies
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Update: The shutdown may be over, but it will take time for SNAP benefits to reach recipients. In the meantime, the need is still there…and it won’t end even once the program is fully funded.
Here’s what Colorado has done:
Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee approved two budget requests from Governor Jared Polis on October 30, which will help fund critical food access programs during the federal shutdown. The first allocates $10 million to support Colorado food banks and pantries in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s directive to suspend SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, starting November 1. The state is now preparing to load funds into EBT accounts.
SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state. On October 10, the USDA informed regional and state SNAP directors that if the federal government shutdown continues, states are to pause funding for November. This means the Colorado Department of Human Services will be unable to issue approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits. On October 28, Colorado joined 22 other states in a lawsuit to force the Trump administration to restore SNAP benefits by tapping into an emergency reserve; the Massachusetts judge on that case found that the states are likely to win on their claim that the USDA unlawfully suspended SNAP benefits.
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SNAP provides food assistance to more than 600,000 Coloradans across 330,000 households; more than half of the recipients are children. According to the governor’s office, 10 percent of SNAP recipients are older Coloradans and 15 percent are Coloradans living with a disability.
The second request approved by the JBC extends previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children nutrition access through November. That program supports food access for nearly 100,000 pregnant women, new mothers and young children in Colorado.
For statewide information on aid, see Feeding Colorado.
City of Denver
In Denver, as many as 100,000 people lost access to food support when SNAP was suspended; on October 30, city leaders announced additional aid efforts, including establishing a Food Access Task Force.
For those who need support, Denver has created a one-stop-shop website: DenverGov.org/Food, which includes a list of local food banks and pantries, as well as recreation centers where youth between three and eighteen can get free lunches on Saturdays. People who want to donate food or money can also do it through that site.
For those who would like to help, the city advises that financial contributions have the greatest impact; for example, Food Bank of the Rockies can purchase produce at 20 cents per pound and distribute it to hundreds of local food pantries. But you can also give food at designated city recreation centers.
Other resources
Arvada Resiliency Task Force
Arvada has organized, too, with the Arvada Resiliency Task Force issuing a call to action; the goal is to collect up to 2,000 grocery gift cards by November 15. Learn more at arvadachamber.org/neighborhungry.
Food Bank of the Rockies
The go-to for so many through the years, Food Bank of the Rockies has been gearing up to provide additional help during this crisis. This website is one-stop shopping for both those who need food — use the pantry locator tool — and those who want to donate. Monetary donations are particularly welcome.
Metro Caring
Another longtime leader in the fight against hunger, Metro Caring is a major resource for both food and information.
Feeding Colorado
The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food to locate local food banks; email info@feedingcolorado.org for more information.
Hunger Free Colorado
Connects Colorado families and individuals to food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Denver Public Schools Foundation Food Security
The foundation has relaunched its Food Security Fund, putting $20,000 into the project.
Restaurant and food drives
The Dinner Table Project
Youth on Record, the Denver-based arts and youth development nonprofit, has launched The Dinner Table Project, a temporary food campaign that will work to galvanize support from the music community to ensure that local kids, youth, and families have dinner on the table each week through December 2025. The organization is looking for donations and volunteers.
A Food Hall Food Drive for Food Banks
Inspired by cuts to SNAP benefits, six local food halls have launched a friendly competition to collect donations for Colorado families in need through November: Edgewater Public Market in Edgewater, The Golden Mill in Golden, the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Freedom Street Social in Arvada, and Denver Central Market and Avanti Food & Beverage in Denver Each participating food hall has partnered with a local nonprofit organization:
- Edgewater Public Market — benefiting JeffCo Eats
- The Golden Mill — benefiting BGOLDN
- Stanley Marketplace — benefiting Village Exchange Center
- Freedom Street Social —benefiting Community Table
- Denver Central Market — benefiting Kaizen Food Rescue
- Avanti Food & Beverage — benefiting Bienvenidos Food Bank
More food drives
These spots are collecting food for those in need:
- The Crypt, 1618 East 17th Avenue
- Chula, 3866 South Broadway, Englewood
Know of an organization or business offering help? We’ll be adding to this list; send information to editorial@westword.com.
