November SNAP Benefits Suspended for Northern Colorado Households Due to Federal Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified Colorado that November benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cannot be issued due to the federal government shutdown that began October 1, affecting more than 19,000 households in Larimer County and thousands more in Weld County.
The suspension represents a nationwide issue impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed, according to Larimer County officials who announced the disruption October 16.
Recipients who currently have SNAP benefits loaded on their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards can continue to use those funds to purchase food. However, November benefits will not be issued unless the federal government provides additional guidance or the shutdown ends.
Larimer County Faces Historic Caseload Impact
Larimer County distributed more than $18.7 million in SNAP benefits during the second quarter of 2025 to over 19,000 households, representing the highest caseload in the county's history, according to Colorado Department of Human Services data. The county averaged approximately $6.23 million per month in SNAP payments during that period.
The current caseload represents a significant increase from 2019, when about 12,500 households received benefits. The growth stems from expanded outreach efforts and economic pressures affecting Northern Colorado residents.
Weld County also serves thousands of households through SNAP, with participation rates ranging between 4 percent and 6 percent of the county's population of approximately 343,000 residents in recent years.
Legal Framework Limits Benefits During Funding Lapse
The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from spending funds without Congressional appropriations, according to USDA contingency planning documents. This means SNAP benefits cannot be issued when Congress fails to pass either full-year appropriations or a continuing resolution.
USDA typically maintains SNAP operations during shutdowns using multi-year contingency funds, carry-over funding and advance obligations. During the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 through January 2019, the longest in U.S. history, SNAP benefits continued but January 2019 payments were issued early on January 17 to ensure availability.
If a shutdown extends beyond one or two months and all contingency resources are depleted, SNAP benefits may be suspended or interrupted. To date, no SNAP recipient has missed a regularly scheduled payment due to a government shutdown, though the risk increases with prolonged funding lapses.
Community Food Resources Available
Larimer County officials directed residents needing food assistance to contact Colorado 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 866-760-5489. The statewide resource connection service can connect households with emergency food providers.
Hunger Free Colorado offers additional support at 855-855-4626. Larimer County also maintains a list of local food resources on its website.
SNAP benefits are expected to return to normal once the federal government shutdown ends. Colorado residents can check for updates at the official Colorado PEAK website.
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 governs SNAP's statutory authority, but the program requires annual appropriations from Congress to continue operations. USDA contingency plans indicate core nutrition safety net programs including SNAP shall continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, subject to the availability of funding.
For additional information, contact Larimer County Department of Human Services at [email protected].