DENVER (KDVR) — With SNAP benefits being suspended in November, Colorado food banks and pantries may need donations from the community — here’s how you can help.
Federal food aid recipients nationwide, including more than 600,000 Coloradans, will not receive their benefits in November.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be dispersed on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown.
What does this mean for SNAP recipients?
The suspension of benefits will impact SNAP recipients nationwide, including more than 600,000 Coloradans, half of whom are children.
Some states are warning SNAP recipients to be prepared for the suspension of benefits. According to the Associated Press, Arkansas and Oklahoma are advising SNAP recipients to identify food pantries and other organizations that assist with food.
However, in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has submitted two requests to aid recipients of federal benefits during the federal government shutdown, up to $10 million to support food banks and pantries.
On Friday, uncertainty began for states temporarily picking up the cost of federal benefits during the shutdown, as a USDA memo said that they will not receive reimbursement.
The memo prompted nearly two dozen state attorneys, including Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, to write a letter to the USDA asking for clarity. As of Monday, there is no clear answer on whether those states will receive reimbursement.
How you can help
Salvation Army pantries in the Denver metro area told FOX31’s Ashley Michels that they have already seen a surge of those needing assistance, even having to turn families away after supplies are depleted.
Although SNAP benefits are being suspended, there are still ways to donate. Food banks and pantries are asking the community for donations such as canned goods, dry foods or monetary donations.
Here’s a list of some Denver metro food banks and pantries for those wanting to donate:
- The Action Center
- Address: 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, CO 80215
- Website: https://www.theactioncenter.org/donate-goods
- Accepts: food, clothing, shoes, personal hygiene and linens.
- Donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
- The food pantry is open 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
- Aurora Corps
- Address: 802 Quari Ct., Aurora, 80011
- Website: https://aurora.salvationarmy.org/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
- The food pantry is open 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
- Broomfield Fish
- Address: 6 Garden Ct., Broomfield, 80020
- Website: https://www.broomfieldfish.org/donate/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. – noon on Thursday.
- The food pantry is open 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
- Denver Citadel Corps
- Address: 4505 W. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80219
- Website: https://denvercitadel.salvationarmy.org/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.
- The food pantry is open noon – 4:30 p.m., Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday
- Centennial Corps
- Address: 3900 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, CO 80122
- Website: https://centennial.salvationarmy.org/centennial_corps/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday and Wednesday
- The food pantry is open 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Thursday
- Community Food Share
- Address: 650 S. Taylor Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
- Website: https://communityfoodshare.org/donate-food/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday
- The food pantry is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday and Friday, noon – 6 p.m. Thursday
- Golden Pantry and Thrift
- Address: 1401 Ford St., Golden, CO 80401
- Website: https://goldenpantryandthrift.org/
- Accepts: food donations, monetary donations
- Food donations may be dropped off 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday
- The food pantry is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
Feeding Colorado, a state initiative, is also an option for community members wanting to donate. For more information, people can go to Feeding Colorado’s website.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
