Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits for November are on hold, affecting more than 1,400 individuals in Archuleta County and more than 600,000 statewide.
SNAP helps eligible low-income households purchase food, with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) website explaining, “Families and individuals can receive a monthly benefit to buy healthy food.”
The CDHS website explains, “Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not released the funds that states use to pay SNAP (food assistance) benefits. This means Colorado is unable to issue the approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits to clients until the federal government restores funding.”
A Wednesday press release from the state further explains, “SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state; as a result of the ongoing federal shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed all states to pause November benefits until additional federal funds are released.”
According to an email from Archuleta County Department of Human Services Director Heidi Martinez, in October, $266,135 in SNAP assistance was expended in Archuleta County, serving 1,417 people.
A state website on SNAP benefits shows a client count of 1,563 in Archuleta County — 11.7 percent of the population.
The CDHS encourages those who need more food resources during the government shutdown to reach out to local food banks or community agencies in your area.
For information on the food pantry network in Archuleta County, visit https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/food-pantry-network.html.
“The shutdown not only affects SNAP, but other government subsidies may be affected, including Child Care Assistance, as well as cash programs, Adult Financial, and TANF- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,” Martinez wrote, noting the longest government shutdown lasted 35 days.
When the shutdown ends, there will be more information to share about the future of SNAP benefits, according to the state. More up-to-date information can be found on the Colorado PEAK website: https://co.gov/peak.
Governor announces state help
On Wednesday, Gov. Jared Polis, Lt. Gov. Dianne Pimavera and others announced steps the state is looking to take to support affected individuals.
“Following direction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on October 10 to suspend the release of November SNAP food access, Colorado is moving swiftly to support families and communities across the state,” the state’s press release states.
On Wednesday morning, the press release explains, the Governor’s Office submitted two requests to the Joint Budget Committee: one to consider approval for up to $10 million in General Fund revenue to support food banks and pantries, and another to extend previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition access through November.
WIC supports food access for nearly 100,000 women and children in Colorado.
The state also announced a new philanthropic initiative through Feeding Colorado that invites individuals and businesses to help meet the growing demand for food assistance by donating, and is launching a map to show where Coloradans rely most on SNAP support.
“Coloradans take care of one another, and we’re stepping up to make sure hardworking families can continue putting food on the table while federal funding is on hold,” Polis said. “We’re providing emergency state support for food banks, extending WIC access, and giving every Coloradan an opportunity to help by donating to FeedingColorado.org/donate. Together, we can make sure every family has access to healthy food and every community has the support it needs during this challenging time.”
“When students are hungry, it’s hard for them to focus on learning. Many of our families rely on SNAP to help them buy groceries and provide nutritious meals for their kids. We’re working with schools and local partners to connect families to food resources so every student has the energy and focus they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Dr. Susana Cordova, commissioner of education, Colorado Department of Education.
Helping local food
pantries
The state also encourages those who are able to donate to local food banks.
Healthy Archuleta, which aids the food pantries in Archuleta County, offers the following ways to help support the area food pantry network:
• Donate fresh produce.
• Offer community-supported agriculture shares.
• Donate nonperishable foods.
• Donate U.S. Department of Agriculture processed beef.
• Volunteer through the food pantries.
• Donate funds.
• Work with the Food Coalition “to help build an equitable community-based food system.”
The coalition’s website states, “We welcome any and all contributions and acts of service to the patrons of the food pantries in Archuleta County. Please call the Food Coalition at 401-206-4579 or send an email to fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.”
randi@pagosasun.com
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