Overview
- The Denver Public Schools Foundation reactivated its pandemic-era Food Security Fund on Oct. 31 to support families facing delayed SNAP payments during the federal shutdown.
- Since relaunch, the fund has distributed more than $100,000 to DPS schools and six community hubs while requests have exceeded $200,000.
- Support is being provided through grocery gift cards and stocked school pantries, with staff reporting more families seeking food resources.
- SNAP payments remain disrupted after USDA halted funding Nov. 1; roughly 5% of Colorado recipients briefly received full benefits before guidance halted them, and the state is working to deliver about 65% partial benefits.
- The foundation, which raised over $1 million for food during the pandemic, is asking for donations and says the fund will stay open as needed as Congress and courts consider steps that could restore full benefits.