Polis Seeks $10M to Offset SNAP Shutdown

Gov. Jared Polis asked Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee to approve up to $10 million in emergency General Fund support to shore up food banks, pantries and extend WIC access after the USDA warned SNAP benefits would not arrive in November because of the federal government shutdown, putting roughly 600,000 Coloradans at risk. The governor’s office said the funds would be distributed in roughly $3.3 million installments every two weeks and could carry the state through mid-December, but acknowledged the $10 million would not cover an estimated roughly $120 million SNAP shortfall if the shutdown persists. Nationwide, the USDA warned about 42 million Americans potentially missing November SNAP benefits. The shutdown has also paused other federal supports to Colorado—such as Impact Aid for some school districts and funding for community health centers—and state officials warned that food banks are bracing for sharply increased demand. Polis visited a Colorado Springs food bank and urged residents and businesses to donate via FeedingColorado.org.