As the federal government shutdown continues, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be unavailable beginning this Saturday. It remains unclear when the program will resume operations. If the shutdown extends into the third week of November, December benefits may also be delayed.
This disruption will significantly affect approximately 6,000 residents across Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties who rely on SNAP for their basic food needs. Among those impacted are children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities—groups already facing food insecurity.
The Mountain Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (MCFNS), convened by the West Mountain Regional Health Alliance (WMRHA), is mobilizing local organizations, county human services, and statewide partners to respond to this urgent situation. The coalition emphasizes that food and nutrition security is a fundamental human right and is calling for coordinated community action to ensure continued access to food.
“Food is a necessity and a matter of dignity,” said the MCFNS Board in a joint statement. “In times of uncertainty, our communities must come together to support one another. No one should go hungry.”
For detailed information on how to help and support local efforts, visit this link.
Donate:
Financial contributions directly support food purchasing, meal delivery, and hunger relief programs.
Aspen Community Foundation: Provides funds to local food organizations.
Eagle Valley Community Foundation (The Community Market): Supports food purchasing and hosts food drives (760 Lindbergh Dr, Gypsum).
Food Bank of the Rockies: Supports the regional hunger relief network.
Harvest for Hunger (Pitkin County): Sustains food purchasing efforts (food drop-off: 405 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen).
LIFT-UP: Purchases food and covers crisis costs (food drop-off: 100 Midland Ave, Unit 270, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601).
UpRoot Colorado: Supports food redistribution and gleaning efforts.
Valley Meals and More: Funds home-delivered meals for seniors and individuals with limited mobility.
Volunteer:
Opportunities are available for individuals and groups to assist with food distributions, pantry operations, gleaning events, and meal deliveries. Contact local organizations directly to learn more about volunteer roles and schedules.
Host or Contribute to a Food Drive:
Community members can organize or participate in local food drives to collect nonperishable items for distribution across regional pantries and food programs.
The Mountain Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security remains committed to addressing food access challenges through collaboration, equity, and locally driven solutions.
For additional information, contact Namrata Shrestha, Health Access Consultant, at nshrestha@westmountainhealthalliance.org.
Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
