CCI Update re-Federal Government Shutdown Impact on November SNAP Benefits (sent via eCL 10-23-2025)
The ongoing federal government shutdown continues to have serious implications for food assistance programs in Colorado. As of Friday, October 23, November SNAP benefits remain on hold statewide. This means Colorado cannot issue the approximately $120 million in benefits for November until federal funding is restored. On Friday, October 17, CCI hosted a virtual meeting with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to brief Commissioners on the situation and discuss county-level impacts and response strategies.
Resources from Friday’s Meeting
- Slide Deck: CDHS and CCI Presentation – Addressing Urgent Hunger Needs
- Webinar Recording: Available on the Colorado Counties YouTube channel
- CDHS Client Communications Document: Living Document – SNAP Disruption Updates
- CDHS Webinar on SNAP Benefits: In-chat Questions for CDHS on Expiration of SNAP Benefits
- Note: This document will be updated in real time as more details become available.
Governor Polis’ Announcement
Governor Jared Polis announced today that he is requesting $10 million in emergency funding from the Joint Budget Committee to support food banks and pantries across Colorado. The state is also launching a philanthropic initiative through Feeding Colorado to help bridge the gap for families in need.
“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,” Polis said.
More than 600,000 Coloradans, half of them children, rely on SNAP benefits, and without federal action, these households face severe food insecurity. Read the full announcement here.
Here’s what you need to know:
- No November SNAP benefits can be issued until federal funding resumes.
- New SNAP applicants after October 15 will receive October benefits only for now.
- Ongoing SNAP households will not receive November benefits on the usual schedule (Nov 1–10).
- CDHS sent notices to affected households on October 21 explaining the delay.
- Benefits will resume once the shutdown ends, but timing and amount remain uncertain.
What this means for counties:
- Expect increased calls, walk-ins, and frustration from clients who rely on these benefits.
- Staff may need to spend additional time meeting with clients during this difficult period.
- Administrative costs may rise; consider mobilizing volunteers or preparing commodity boxes for clients in immediate need.
What CDHS is doing:
- Preparing clear public messages (texts, emails, web updates, and lobby postings).
- Exploring partnerships with community food pantries to help fill the gap.
How You Can Help:
- Support local food banks and pantries, encourage donations or volunteer efforts.
- Prepare for higher call and walk-in volumes; consider temporary staffing increases.
- Enhance safety and communication, encourage staff to practice empathy and review security protocols.
This is a difficult time for our CO families and communities that will be impacted across the state. We know this will create hardship for many Coloradans and additional pressure on local offices, and we’re working closely with partners to provide support during this time.