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yesterday

Denver Launches Food Assistance Task Force as SNAP Payments Stall

The city response follows a federal shutdown that has left Colorado unable to issue November SNAP benefits.

ARVADA, CO - JULY 17: Diners eat pizza from GiordanoÕs Pizza at Freedom Street Social food hall on July 17, 2022 in Arvada, Colorado. The new food hall is a fun option for the suburban community bringing what owner Nick Costanzo says is the hip Denver food scene brought to the suburbs. He created the food hall to be very kid friendly. The food hall consists of Sushi Kruo, Osito, Lea JaneÕs and JeremiahÕs Italian ice as well as a ChefÕs Kitchen, Coffee & Vinyl, which offers coffee with music played in the mornings and a bar. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • Mayor Mike Johnston unveiled a coordinated task force with food banks and community groups to keep pantries stocked and direct help to affected households.
  • City recreation centers are serving as nonperishable drop‑off sites and will provide free Saturday lunches for youth ages 3–18 through January 3 with no ID required.
  • City leaders estimate roughly 100,000 Denver residents could lose SNAP support, including an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 children.
  • Providers report surging demand, with Denver Inner City Parish seeing pantry appointment requests up about 50% and Mile High United Way reporting a 20% rise in calls.
  • Food Bank of the Rockies is expanding distributions and urging monetary donations for greater purchasing power, as the state approved up to $10 million to bolster local pantries.