Pueblo County Allocates Funds to Aid Families as Federal SNAP Benefits Pause

Pueblo County Takes Action to Support Residents as SNAP Benefits Face Pause

Pueblo County is stepping in to support tens of thousands of residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the federal government shutdown continues. With the program set to pause in November, local leaders are working to ensure that vulnerable families have access to food and other essential resources.

Currently, 41,241 individuals in Pueblo County, or about 24% of the population, are receiving SNAP benefits. Among them, 14,120 are children under the age of 18. A total of 22,889 households receive SNAP assistance, with residents collectively receiving $7.8 million per month in benefits.

In response to the potential disruption, Pueblo County commissioners approved a plan to use available Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding. The initiative includes:

• $60,000 allocated for purchasing $150 gift cards through Catholic Charities to help families buy groceries.
• $60,000 dedicated to direct purchases of food for food banks via local vendors like the Pueblo Food Project.
• $30,000 earmarked for hot meals through agencies such as the Pueblo Soup Kitchen and the Pueblo Rescue Mission.
• $45,874.14 held in reserve to address potential "ripple effects" if the shutdown extends beyond November.

Tammy Torres, director of the Pueblo Department of Human Services, explained the rationale behind the reserve fund. “A ripple effect could mean that someone prioritizes groceries over rent, leading to an eviction or delinquency notice. We want to be prepared to mitigate these issues,” she said.

Even if the federal shutdown ends by the end of October, there will still be a delay in benefit payments, according to Torres. Additionally, there has been no clarity from the federal government on whether SNAP benefits will be paid retroactively.

To expedite aid, county commissioners agreed to allow some discretion for officials to make final decisions on how to use the funds without waiting for the Oct. 28 regular meeting.

At the state level, Governor Jared Polis has requested $10 million from Colorado lawmakers to support food pantries, with the funds spread across three payments of $3.3 million each.

Community Response and Challenges

While the county’s efforts are appreciated, many say the funding will not fully address the growing need. Joe Domko, executive director of Catholic Charities, noted that 1,450 applications have already been received, but the county’s $60,000 allocation will only cover 400 gift cards.

“We’re touched by the gesture, but it doesn’t cover the full impact,” Domko said. “We’re doing our best to fill the need and increase our efforts to procure food for distribution.”

Megan Cover, director of the Pueblo Food Project, emphasized that the SNAP shutdown affects more than just recipients—it also impacts local businesses that accept SNAP benefits. “Supermarket Gonzales and Save A Lot are two locally owned stores that take SNAP. Without those benefits, their sales will drop significantly,” she said.

Cover added that while the $60,000 from the county will help, it is “hardly going to touch the need.” She noted that 85% of SNAP recipients in Colorado use all their benefits within the first two weeks of the month, leaving them with nothing left by November 1.

How to Help or Get Assistance

Individuals can contribute to the cause in several ways. Governor Polis encouraged donations through feedingcolorado.org/donate, where even small contributions can make a big difference. Donations of non-perishable food items are also welcome, though monetary gifts are more impactful due to the buying power of food banks.

Puebloans can also donate at pueblounitedway.org/help, where 100% of donations go directly to local agencies providing food and support. Volunteering at food pantries and nonprofit organizations offering meals and emergency aid is another way to get involved.

For those in need of assistance, calling 211 or visiting 211colorado.org can connect them with local resources. “Together, we can make sure that no one in Pueblo County goes hungry,” said Pueblo United Way officials.

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