Today, the federal government shutdown is threatening food access for over 600,000 Coloradans, half of whom are children, who rely on SNAP to get the food they need to be healthy and thrive. Starting November 1, SNAP food access will be cut off because of the federal government shutdown.
Having enough food is essential for kids to grow and learn in school, for parents and families to work, and to maintain health and wellbeing. Holding SNAP food access is a severe threat to the 600,000 Coloradans who depend on SNAP to fight hunger, improve their health, and escape the grip of poverty.
The ripple effect of this funding freeze touches many parts of our state and our economy. For every $1 from SNAP that is spent, $1.50 goes back into Colorado’s economy. 10,000 grocery jobs across Colorado are supported by SNAP. Retailers will experience a sharp decline in spending, with smaller, local businesses bearing the brunt of this impact. And as we trickle up the chain, local food providers, including our farmers and ranchers, are expected to see a drastic decline in demand for their products due to an inability to use SNAP benefits.
These are not state dollars, they are entirely federal, meaning Colorado cannot backfill this critical support. A staggering 50% of SNAP recipients are children, 10% are elderly, and 15% are individuals with disabilities. These are our neighbors, our children, and our most vulnerable citizens, now facing an uncertain, hungry, future. To help make sure no one starves in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis requested $10 million to help food banks and pantries feed more people during the federal shutdown but in the long run the state cannot fund this federal initiative. The governor also asked individuals to help support food for families at www.feedingcolorado.org/donate.
We are hearing heartbreaking stories from some of those neighbors who rely on SNAP food access — stories that paint a stark picture of the impossible choices they now face because their November assistance is being held.
This isn’t just about an empty pantry; it’s about the erosion of basic security. People are already telling us they will have to skip meals just to stretch their budget. Even worse, the limited funds they do have are being pulled away from essentials. Money set aside for a child’s school uniform, for gas to get to work, for a prescription, for heating homes, or even for rent — it’s all on the chopping block. Coloradans should never have to make choices between a hungry child or a roof over their head.
While this situation continues, we are calling on Coloradans and Colorado businesses to help their neighbors. The most effective way to do that right now is to donate financially to food banks. These organizations have tremendous purchasing power when compared to you and I, and every dollar donated stretches much farther. We can all give what we can to help those in need.
The negative impacts are clear, but it is reassuring to know that the Colorado Department of Human Services is prepared to act swiftly once funds become available again. However, ensuring continued access to SNAP is an essential investment in the health, well-being, and economic stability of Coloradans and the state as a whole.
Michelle Barnes is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
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