As the federal government shutdown lingers, Colorado has boldly announced its own measures to combat the resulting food insecurity faced by many of its residents. The shutdown, propelled by a Republican-majority Congress, has led to the U.S. Department of Agriculture withdrawing support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), widely known as food stamps, which many families and children in the state rely on. Despite a USDA memo declaring that states will not be reimbursed for covering these costs, Colorado's leadership has chosen to directly support those in need.
According to the Colorado Governor's Office, Governor Polis expressed disappointment, saying, "Colorado is stepping up to provide access to healthy foods, ensuring families and children don't go hungry, while the Republican controlled Congress fails to open up the federal government." Clearly, this move by the state government aims to temporarily fill the void left by federal inaction. Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera echoed the sentiment, stating, "Hardworking families shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for health care, prescription drugs, or food," as per the Colorado Governor's Office.
The situation is dire, and responses have been swift. On Wednesday, amidst a rising outcry from the public, Governor Polis reached out to Colorado's Joint Budget Committee with an emergency request for $10 million. This fund is intended to bolster local food banks and pantries that are shouldering the burden of ensuring food availability to SNAP beneficiaries.
