UPDATE: Colorado Governor Jared Polis urgently calls for donations to food banks as federal food assistance will halt on November 1, leaving over 600,000 low-income Coloradans without vital support. Amid a government shutdown, Polis is requesting an additional $10 million in state aid to bolster food banks struggling to meet rising demand.
Officials are sounding alarms as SNAP benefits freeze due to the shutdown, which could cost the state $120 million a month. Polis emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “We have a role to play to fill the gap created by the closure of the federal government, and so do you.” He highlighted that local food banks could leverage cash donations to purchase more food at lower prices, potentially equating the requested state funds to about $30 million or $40 million worth of food.
At a press conference, Polis revealed that he personally donated $500 to kickstart the effort and urged residents to contribute through feedingcolorado.org/donate. The president and CEO of the Food Bank of the Rockies, Erin Pulling, described the situation as a “crisis within a crisis,” exacerbated by a slowing economy and recent changes to SNAP eligibility. “If there aren’t enough donations, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans could go without food,” Pulling warned.
The Joint Budget Committee is expected to meet next week to vote on Polis’ $10 million request, which is anticipated to pass despite ongoing political tensions. State Senator Jeff Bridges, a Democrat, criticized the federal shutdown for blocking essential support for struggling families, and called on Washington to resolve the budget impasse.
Conversely, Republican Barbara Kirkmeyer expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed aid, arguing that it may not suffice given the enormity of the funding gap. However, she acknowledged the necessity of helping families find food, stating, “Nobody in the state thinks that’s a bad idea.”
As the clock ticks toward the cutoff date, Coloradans are urged to act swiftly to support local food banks. The dire circumstances underscore the need for a collaborative effort to ensure that no one faces hunger during this critical time.
Polis’ appeal comes as part of a broader effort to address the fallout from the federal shutdown, which has left many vulnerable families in limbo. With open enrollment for health insurance beginning on the same day as the SNAP benefits freeze, the stakes are higher than ever.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As Coloradans await the Joint Budget Committee’s decision, the community is called to come together and support those most in need. The future of many families hangs in the balance as the November 1 deadline approaches.
