(COLORADO) — Governor Jared Polis joined local leaders and community members on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to discuss how the state will support people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while the funds are suspended by the federal government shutdown.
Wednesday afternoon, the governor will be visiting a food bank in Colorado Springs to tour the facility and meet with staff to discuss the impacts of the federal shutdown and SNAP cuts.
The Governor’s Office submitted two requests to the Joint Budget Committee on Wednesday. One request is to consider approval of up to $10 million in General Fund revenue to support food banks and pantries. The other is to extend previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition access through November.
“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,” said Governor Jared Polis. “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.”
SNAP provides access to more than 600,000 Coloradans, half of whom are children, 10% are elderly, and 15% living with disabilities, and WIC supports food access for nearly 100,000 women and children in the state.
“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health. Our administration is working to ensure that every Coloradan has the resources they need to stay healthy and thrive, no matter what’s happening in Washington,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.
The state is also announcing a new philanthropic initiative that invites people and businesses to help meet the growing demand for food assistance by donating to food banks.
“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,” said Dr. Susana Cordova, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education.
If Coloradans need more food resources during the shutdown, they are encouraged to reach out to local food banks or community agencies in the area.
“CDHS and our county partners are coordinating with food banks to fill gaps where we can, and we are processing applications daily to make sure Coloradans get their SNAP benefits the moment federal funding resumes,” said Minna Castillo, Deputy Executive Director, Colorado Department of Human Services.
