UPDATE 11/5
The USDA announced a memorandum regarding SNAP allotments.
The maximum allotments are being reduced by 35 percent instead of 50 percent, so that the maximum allotments for November 2025 will be 65 percent of the typical maximum allotments.
UPDATE 11/3:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in a filing that they will release $4.65 billion from its contingency fund to cover about 50% of November SNAP benefits for eligible households. States will receive guidance later today on calculating these reduced benefits. USDA cautions that system changes may be challenging for some states, which could lead to delays in getting benefits to families. TRE will continue sharing updates as more information becomes available.
Colorado Emergency Measures
Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera announced emergency measures to safeguard food access for Colorado families during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has halted November SNAP benefits and frozen WIC funding.
Thanks to the Joint Budget Committee’s (JBC) approval:
- $10 million in emergency funding will be distributed to food banks and pantries across the state through the Community Food Assistance Grant Program. Funds will be released in three phases: November 1, November 15, and December 1.
- Up to $7.5 million in WIC funding authority will ensure continued nutrition support for nearly 100,000 women, infants, and children through November. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will reimburse the state once federal operations resume.
Additionally, free school meals remain available statewide, ensuring children continue to receive two nutritious meals daily despite federal program disruptions.
Read the full update from the governor’s office: Colorado Steps Up to Support Families: Polis-Primavera Administration Thanks JBC for Approval of Emergency Funding For Food & WIC Access Amid Federal Shutdown
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November are on hold.
-
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) says that the USDA has not yet released the $120 million used to fund next month’s benefits
-
Local governments, including El Paso, Park, Teller, and Pueblo Counties, have issued alerts that benefits will not be distributed unless federal funding resumes.
-
Over 620,000 Coloradans rely on SNAP, including children, older adults, and working families.
People should continue to apply and submit renewals and other documents as department staff will continue to process the paperwork, so that when benefits may be released, they can be available.
We understand that this situation will affect many families and may lead to challenging times in the coming months. While TRE does not have the authority or capacity to directly meet this need, we are committed to supporting you by providing information on resources that may be able to help.
Resources:
- TRE regularly updates our Community Resources Page on our website: Food Assistance Resources
- These resources are specific to El Paso, Park, Teller, and Pueblo Counties.
- Colorado 211: Call 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489, or visit 211colorado.org (Available in multiple languages)
- Feeding Colorado: Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org
- Hunger Free Colorado: Call their Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626 (Available in multiple languages)
-
CDHS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Colorado Department of Human Services
- Chicken Salad Chick announced on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that all Colorado Springs locations, including Monument, will get a free kids’ meal until SNAP benefits are restored
- Barnes location: 5660 Barnes Road, unit 108, Colorado Springs
- Briargate location: 9391 Highland Ridge Heights, Suite 140, Colorado Springs
- Monument location: 810 Sky Vista Point, Suite 100, Monument
- Poor Richard’s Restaurant, located at 324 1/2 North Tejon, is offering free meals and drinks to all federal employees and their families who have been impacted by the federal government shutdown, starting Friday, October 24, through the end of the shutdown.
Leave a Reply