JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Some Coloradans are finally seeing federal food benefits reach their accounts, but not everyone. About 32,000 people received money on their EBT cards before a Supreme Court order temporarily halted the application, leaving hundreds of thousands still waiting.
The inconsistent rollout has left families frustrated and unsure when help will arrive. One viewer, who wanted to remain anonymous, reached out to FOX31, saying he woke up feeling relieved when his full benefits finally arrived, but when he called a friend to share the news, that friend had not yet received his benefits.
At the same time, community efforts are working to close this gap. Hundreds of cars lined up at Jeffco Stadium for Jeffco Feeds Jeffco, a region-wide food drive that supports about 22,000 families affected by SNAP delays in Jefferson County.
Volunteers spent the day sorting, stacking and loading trucks full of donations, which will soon stock eight temporary pantries in Jefferson County Schools.
“We are here today to collect food for 13,000 children and their families impacted by delayed SNAP benefits,” said Tara Peña, head of Family Community Partnerships for Jeffco Public Schools. “We share the amazing numbers that 22,000 families in Jefferson County alone were affected by SNAP benefits delays and everyone was looking for a reason to invest in and this was it.”
“We’ve had one person stop by three times already. We went back and bought more food, and then came back two more times. It’s pretty cool,” said a volunteer who directs traffic for the food drive.
The Colorado Department of Human Services told FOX31 that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been paused for the time being while they wait for new guidance from the USDA. CDHS will provide updates on when the remaining 560,000 Coloradans will receive their benefits.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the situation “chaotic” and stressed the urgent need for federal action to release the funds.
For some Colorado immigrant families, the situation is more complicated.
To qualify for SNAP, people must have lawful permanent status, be naturalized citizens or hold a special visa. Even green card holders often face a 5-year wait before they become eligible.
Although there are some exceptions including children’s disabilities, work history, and military-related issues.