As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, the impact on Colorado’s most vulnerable residents is becoming dire. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that November SNAP benefits may not be issued due to a lapse in federal funding. This puts over 600,000 Coloradans at risk of losing access to food assistance.

Who’s Affected—and Where

According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, the breakdown of SNAP recipients includes:

• Denver Metro Area: ~210,000 individuals
• Pueblo and Southern Colorado: ~85,000
• Colorado Springs and El Paso County: ~95,000
• Western Slope and Mountain Communities: ~60,000, facing higher food costs and fewer grocery options
• Rural Eastern Plains: ~40,000, with limited access to food banks
• Indigenous and immigrant households: Disproportionately affected by eligibility disruptions and language barriers

These numbers reflect families, seniors, disabled individuals, and children who rely on monthly electronic benefit transfers to purchase groceries.

What’s Happening

On October 10, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) instructed all states to hold November SNAP payments due to “insufficient funds” if the shutdown continues. Colorado is one of six states operating under a SNAP waiver, which restricts purchases of certain processed foods and beverages.

Governor Jared Polis has stated that the state is “exploring options to keep families fed,” including emergency state funding, but no formal plan has been announced.

Community Response

Local organizations are mobilizing:

• Food Bank of the Rockies is preparing to expand emergency distributions across the Front Range.
• Care and Share Food Bank in Colorado Springs is coordinating with schools and churches for pop-up pantries.
• Mutual Aid Colorado is organizing donation drives and meal kits for rural counties.

Some food banks report a 30–50% increase in demand since the shutdown began.

What Coloradans Can Do

• Donate to food banks and mutual aid groups
• Volunteer for distribution events and meal prep
• Share information with neighbors, especially those without internet access
• Contact elected officials to support emergency funding and SNAP continuity