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600,000 Colorado Residents Face SNAP Cuts Amid Shutdown

10/19/2025

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Summary

Polis Alerts SNAP Crisis

Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) warned that more than 600,000 Colorado residents may lose SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown.
Local food banks are overwhelmed, with some reporting a 230% increase in demand.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said about 100,000 Denver residents could be affected.
The state cannot independently fund SNAP, which costs about $120 million per month.

History

Historical Context

The Food Stamp Act of 1964, initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his "War on Poverty," aimed to alleviate hunger and support low-income households. By 1975, over 20 million Americans participated in the program, which evolved into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Today, potential cuts to SNAP threaten food security for over 600,000 Colorado residents, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing hunger.

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Polis Alerts SNAP Crisis

Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) warned that more than 600,000 Colorado residents may lose SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown.
Local food banks are overwhelmed, with some reporting a 230% increase in demand.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said about 100,000 Denver residents could be affected.
The state cannot independently fund SNAP, which costs about $120 million per month.

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