Many United States citizens have already noticed the various issues created by the government shutdown; now, another problem has arisen for Americans. The government shutdown was announced on October 1, 2025, and has now returned to normal. Due to it lasting longer than other shutdowns in the past, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was on hold for millions of Americans, affecting approximately 600,000 Coloradans.  SNAP benefits are based on financial income and household sizes, and are supplied through a provided EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer). SNAP benefits are used mainly for groceries; however, SNAP benefits in Colorado can also be used for museums, cultural centers, or any specific location listed under Colorado’s Department of Human Services. SNAP is mainly used by low-income families and individuals to assist them with a limited monthly benefit of cash.  

According to Dayna Scott, executive director of The Broomfield FISH Food Bank and Family Resource Center here in Colorado, many families were stressed and nervous about the hold on SNAP benefits. As Dayna expressed, the majority of food banks are busy around November and December because of the holiday seasons ahead. The hold on SNAP benefits during the busiest months of the year perpetuates state-wide concerns. Many believe, like Dayna, that the combination of the busy season and hold on SNAP benefits may cause certain “problems regarding the quantity of food” being given out for the rest of the year. This also raises concerns among low-income shoppers, as the grocery store aisles are starting to “feel like a math problem,” meaning many Coloradans are using math to stay intact between their budgets. Many are disengaging from the priority of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday family gatherings to fully sustain their own individual homes. Very recently, the government shutdown finally came to an end; however, SNAP benefits were not as quick to follow. They are now fully reinstated, and participants in the program received their full benefits for November, even though, for many, it was long past their deposit date. 

If you are part of a low-income family or are an individual who uses SNAP benefits, here are some ways to possibly find support for your needs during these hard times.  

Bienvenidos Food Bank: 3810 N Pecos St (303)-433-6328 

Denver Inner City Parish: 1212 Mariposa St (303)-629-0636 

Metro Caring: 1100 E 18th Ave (303)-860-7200 

If you are not affected by the SNAP Benefits being on hold, Metro Caring is also looking for any group or individual volunteers to help support the people in need.  

Locations of WIC Clinics (Women’s, Infants, Children). These locations provide healthy foods and breastfeeding support to all eligible families. 

Adams County Health Department/ Commerce City WIC Clinic: 7190 Colorado Blvd, Suite 200, Commerce City (303)-439-5990 

North Broadway WIC Clinic: 7000 Broadway, BUILDING 4 (303)-426-5232