(COLORADO SPRINGS) — In response to the announcement that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may not be distributed on Nov. 1, Ent Credit Union is taking action to support families facing food insecurity.

To help meet the need, Ent is offering $25,000 matching gifts to support emergency fundraising efforts to both Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado and Food Bank of the Rockies.

Ent also launched an Emergency Assistance Program on Thursday, Oct. 30, offering eligible members a chance to get a $250 Visa eGift Card. The opportunity is open to Ent members who certify that they or someone in their household has been directly impacted by the federal government shutdown or the loss/suspension of food or other government benefits, like SNAP. There are additional eligibility criteria outlined in the official rules.

“This is part of the credit union difference,” said Annie Snead, Ent Credit Union’s executive director of philanthropy and community relations. “We’re people over profit, and hearing about this need from our food bank partners drove us into action. With the SNAP delay and the ongoing government shutdown, many Colorado families are facing increasingly difficult times. We’re proud to be part of our community’s safety net, and we want our members to know they’re not alone.”

Applications are open from Thursday at 8 a.m. through Thursday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. Recipients will be selected by random drawing on Nov. 7, and the eGift cards will be delivered through email about seven to 10 business days after notification.

Ent said over the last 90 days, Ent has processed nearly 2,000 loan deferments and completed 38 loan modifications for members navigating financial hardship. The tools are designed to offer short-term relief for members experiencing life events that may take time to recover from.