JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Some Coloradans are finally seeing federal food benefits hit their accounts, but not everyone. About 32,000 people received money on their EBT cards before a Supreme Court order paused the rollout, 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 to relief when his full benefits finally came through, but when he called a friend to share the news, that friend still hadn’t received theirs.
Meanwhile, community efforts are filling the gap. Hundreds of cars lined up at the Jeffco Stadium for Jeffco Feeds Jeffco, a district-wide food drive supporting around 22,000 families impacted by the SNAP delay in Jefferson County.
Volunteers spent the day sorting, stacking and loading trucks full of donations, which will soon stock eight temporary pantries across Jefferson County schools.
“We are out here today collecting food for 13,000 children and their families impacted by the SNAP benefit delay,” said Tara Peña, chief of Family Community Partnerships for Jeffco Public Schools. “We share the staggering numbers that 22,000 households in Jefferson County alone are being impacted by the SNAP benefit delay and everybody was looking a cause to invest in and this has been it.”
“We had one guy come through 3 times already. Gone back, bought more food, and came back 2 more times. It’s pretty cool,” said a volunteer directing traffic at the food drive.
The Colorado Department of Human Services told FOX31 the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rollout is paused for now as they wait for new guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture. CDHS will provide updates on when the remaining 560,000 Coloradans will receive their benefits.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the situation “chaotic” and emphasized the urgency for federal action to release funds.
For some Colorado immigrant families, the situation is even more complicated.
To qualify for SNAP, people must have lawful permanent status, be a naturalized citizen or hold a special visa. Even green card holders often face a 5-year wait before they are eligible.
Although there are some exceptions including children disability, work history and military connected.
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