As the shutdown continues while Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to disagree on extending health care subsidies, Governor Polis issued a statement last week informing SNAP beneficiaries that no benefits will be issued in November.
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ALAMOSA — Governor Polis issued a statement Friday morning to people who receive SNAP benefits. “On November 1st,” he said, “600,000 Coloradans who access the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) initiative for food could lose the ability to feed themselves and their families.
“Colorado families and children could go hungry without access to SNAP,” he continued, “and the State of Colorado cannot fund this federal initiative to the tune of $120 million per month or $1.48 billion per year.”
In Colorado, 334,590 households or 614,911 individuals rely on SNAP. 50% are children, 10% elderly, and 15% with disabilities.
SNAP benefits have been impacted by the federal government shutdown, which is the result of members in Congress not being able to reach an agreement on continuing subsidies to support people who have to buy private health insurance on the open market, a budget cut that was put into place by passage of the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill.
Without the subsidies, private health insurance premiums are expected to double, if not more, with rural areas being hardest hit.
As a result of the shutdown, “the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not send states the money for November SNAP benefits. The state cannot put the money on EBT cards until this changes. This is a change impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed.”
If Colorado families and individuals need more food resources during the government shutdown, Coloradans are encouraged to reach out to your local food banks or community agencies in their area.
The Valley Courier reached out to the Alamosa Food Bank, which serves a large number of residents in Alamosa with other locations spread out across the Valley.
When asked what they are doing to prepare for a likely dramatic increase in need, Alyssa Yanez said, “We’re hoping to see an increase in donations – cash but definitely food from food drives. This is really all about community. And we’ll continue to be super kind and respectful to everyone who comes here because we know this is a really difficult situation for people.”
The Alamosa Food Bank cannot accept foods that are homemade or alcoholic beverages but can accept produce from small gardens or chickens and food from grocery stores that are boxed with a list of ingredients on the package.
The Food Bank is located at 802 State Avenue and is open from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm from Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information about services or to make a donation, call 719-589-4567.
