Social Services

****November SNAP Benefits on Hold due to Federal Government Shutdown****

Rio Grande/Mineral County, CO – Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not released the funds that states use to issue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. As a result, Colorado is unable to distribute SNAP benefits until federal funding is restored.  This is a federal decision, not a local one.

What this means: 

• - If the federal shutdown continues, SNAP recipients will not receive benefits for November.
• - If the shutdown ends before November 1, benefits may be delayed.
• - Official notices will be mailed to SNAP recipients on October 22.
• - Other assistance programs—Cash assistance, Medicaid, senior lunches, and Meals-on-Wheels—are not affected at this time.

What you can do now:

• - If you are a current SNAP recipient and have rollover funds on your EBT card, we recommend using those funds.

How you can help:

• - Contact your state and federal representatives to share your concerns about the impact of the shutdown.

The Rio Grande/Mineral County Department of Social Services is following the situation closely and working with local partners to have plans in place if the shutdown continues through October. We will release information as we receive it, but clients can also visit cdhs.colorado.gov/snap for updates.

If you have an immediate need for additional food resources, we encourage you to reach out to your local food banks or community agencies for assistance.