The Colorado Department of Human Services announced yesterday that families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive their allotted February benefits early, due to the continuing federal shutdown — and must make those benefits last until March.
Or even longer…
From the press release:
Due to the continuing partial federal government shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture and the State of Colorado have released February SNAP benefits early to most recipients.
The Department urges clients who received an additional SNAP payment on their EBT cards from January 16-20 to keep in mind that it is an advance SNAP payment for February. The additional funds are intended to help clients with their February food purchases. No additional SNAP benefits will be allotted in February.
All SNAP participants will be able to use their EBT cards to purchase food as long as there are benefits on their card. Participants should plan food purchases carefully throughout January and February so their food needs are met through the partial government shutdown.
SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net, offering nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families, and providing economic benefits to communities. Children, seniors, and those with disabilities comprise almost two-thirds of all SNAP participants.
The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions. FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.
While SNAP is intended to ensure that no one in our land of plenty should fear going hungry, it also reflects the importance of work and responsibility. SNAP rules require all recipients meet work requirements unless they are exempt because of age or disability or another specific reason. Forty-three percent of SNAP participants live in a household with earnings.
From the CDHS press release:
If more food resources are needed during the partial government shutdown, we encourage clients to reach out to a local food bank or community agency in their area. To find those resources, please contact:
Colorado 2-1-1: 844-493-8255
Hunger Free Colorado: 855-855-4626
Colorado Benefits Center: 855-871-2696
SNAP benefits will not be issued again until March, and only if the funds are available from the federal government. As additional information becomes available, we will share it.