Weld Food Bank Sees Demand Double as SNAP Freeze Leaves Thousands Without Benefits
Weld Food Bank served more than 100 vehicles waiting for food assistance when it opened November 3, nearly double the typical Monday morning demand, as two-thirds of households reported being affected by the ongoing freeze in federal food assistance benefits.
The surge in demand follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's October 10 instruction to states to hold November 2025 SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown that began October 1. The suspension affects over 600,000 Coloradans statewide who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food purchases, according to Larimer County government data.
The nonprofit, which has served as Weld County's primary hunger-relief organization since 1982, urged residents to visit weldfoodbank.org/snaphelp to volunteer or donate during what it described as "an extraordinarily difficult time."
Weld Food Bank expanded its parking capacity in partnership with local city and county officials to accommodate triple the previous number of vehicles. The facility's central Greeley location at 1108 H Street serves as the operational hub for food distribution throughout Weld County.
Regional Impact of Benefits Suspension
The SNAP freeze represents a temporary benefit suspension rather than a permanent policy change. Benefits will resume once federal funding is restored, though no official end date has been announced as of early November.
Larimer County reported approximately 34,000 individuals rely on SNAP benefits in that county alone. While exact 2025 figures for Weld County were not immediately available, historical data suggests tens of thousands of Weld residents depend on the program.
Weld County's mix of urban centers and rural communities includes significant populations of low- and moderate-income households and agricultural workers particularly vulnerable to the benefit disruption.
The sudden loss in purchasing power places increased pressure on food banks that must provide emergency support for households unable to buy food. Existing benefits remain available on EBT cards, but no new disbursements for November can be made until the shutdown ends.
Food Bank Network Response
Weld Food Bank operates as a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief network, and partners with Feeding Colorado to coordinate statewide resources and advocacy. The organization serves as the only Feeding America-sanctioned clearinghouse for bulk food donations in Weld County.
The food bank distributes food through community partners, direct service programs, and events, extending its reach to both urban and rural households. It collaborates with smaller pantries, schools, and senior-serving agencies throughout the county.
Governor Jared Polis and local officials have encouraged donations and volunteering to meet increased demand during the benefit hold. Residents seeking emergency food assistance can contact 211 Colorado or visit local food bank networks while SNAP benefits remain suspended.