Full SNAP Food Assistance Funding for November Resumes as Federal Government Reopens

Colorado moved to deliver 100 percent of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments as rapidly as possible to approximately 600,000 state residents following an end to the longest government shutdown in United States history, the Colorado Department of Human Services announced November 12.

Participants can expect to see the funds on their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards starting as soon as November 13, pivoting from the state's previously announced plan to begin processing 65 percent of SNAP benefits November 8.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted late November 11 on a Senate-passed funding package that funded federal agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture. While certain federal programs received funding only until January, the package funds USDA through September 30, 2026, including funding for full SNAP payments for the entire month of November.

"The federal government is finally reopening, and hardworking Americans will no longer be caught in the middle of Washington's dysfunction," Governor Jared Polis said. "I thank Colorado's food banks, the Department of Human Services, and our local communities for their efforts during this unprecedented time. Keeping people from going hungry should always remain a top priority."

Weeks of Uncertainty End

The release of full SNAP food assistance comes after days of uncertainty that left hundreds of thousands of Coloradans, and millions of Americans, without SNAP food assistance for nearly two weeks. The funding resolution also provides participants with certainty for December payments.

The shutdown, which began October 1, surpassed the previous record of 35 days during the 2018-2019 government funding lapse, according to Congressional records. The suspension affected approximately 34,000 Larimer County residents and roughly 20,000 to 25,000 Weld County residents.

Congressional funding resolves ongoing confusion and unpredictability created by a series of conflicting updates from the federal government over recent weeks. Last month, USDA informed states that it would not fund SNAP during the government shutdown. Following legal action challenging this stance, the federal government moved to provide partial payments to SNAP participants.

A subsequent judicial order November 6 instructed USDA to make full SNAP food assistance available. Colorado worked with its technical partners to immediately begin delivering full November SNAP payments to EBT cards. Those payments were halted late November 7 after the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump administration a pause on fully funding benefits.

At the time of the Supreme Court order, Colorado was in the process of delivering benefits and has already delivered full November benefits to 32,000 Coloradans. Because of the decision, Colorado paused on delivering the remainder. USDA then instructed states to deliver 65 percent of SNAP benefits, a process that is now being pivoted to deliver the full 100 percent of food assistance.

"After weeks of uncertainty, Coloradans will finally have critical access to food back," CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes said. "No Coloradans should ever have to be in a position where they go hungry or are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. This situation has shone a light onto just how valuable programs like SNAP are to thousands in our communities."

Emergency Response Mobilized

During the shutdown, Colorado acted quickly to provide food for those in need. Polis secured $10 million in emergency funding from the Joint Budget Committee to fund food banks, providing a critical lifeline for communities across the state. Communities across the state also pitched in, raising more than $500,000 through Feeding Colorado to help their friends and neighbors access the food they need.

Weld Food Bank served more than 100 vehicles November 3, nearly double typical Monday morning demand, as two-thirds of households reported being affected by the freeze. Food Bank for Larimer County received approximately $650,000 in emergency state funding as part of the statewide allocation.

Multiple Fort Collins restaurants and businesses organized volunteer-driven relief efforts to provide free food during the suspension, including Philippe French Bistro's free meal program and Friendly Nick's Butcher's meat distribution effort that raised more than $100,000.

The suspension marked the first time in SNAP program history that the federal government failed to pay out regular benefits nationwide, according to USDA records. Previous government shutdowns in 2013 and 2019 involved payment delays or advance distributions but never a complete suspension of monthly benefits.

Fraud Protection Urged

All SNAP recipients who have opted in for text updates will receive a text from CDHS announcing the news in the next few days. For individuals and families still in need of food resources, CDHS encourages reaching out to local food banks or community agencies.

CDHS reminded SNAP recipients to protect themselves from potential fraud. When not using their card, the department recommends that recipients freeze their EBT card to stop new purchases by logging into the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal. Recipients should change Personal Identification Numbers often to prevent fraudulent charges, avoid simple PINs, not share PINs or card numbers with others, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Residents can find resources at Colorado 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489, visiting 211colorado.org, or through Feeding Colorado Resources at feedingcolorado.org/find-food. Local communities may have additional resources available through county human services offices.

CDHS encourages all Coloradans who are able to support neighbors to reach out to local food banks and community organizations, or make a donation at feedingcolorado.org/donate. While canned food donations are appreciated, cash donations go much further, as food banks and community organizations have greater purchasing power.

The Food and Energy Assistance Division of CDHS administers programs designed to safeguard the health and well-being of low-income, financially eligible households, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the Low-income Energy Assistance Program.