Federal Government Shutdown Impacts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits for Adams County Residents

The federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, 2025, due to the U.S. Congress failing to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year, triggered a lapse in federal funding. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed all states to hold the November SNAP benefits, for both new and ongoing cases, if the shutdown continues into November. If a shutdown continues, over 67,000 Adams County residents will lose access to SNAP funding to feed themselves and their families. Almost 45% of residents impacted by this alarming loss of benefits are children and 13% are seniors.

Adams County is organizing and collaborating with departments across the county, local community partners, and food banks to mobilize support for residents. “Our community is coming together to explore every option to support our residents if the federal government continues the shutdown,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “Our residents rely on important benefits like SNAP to feed their families healthy, nutritious food.”

The continuation of the federal government shutdown harms families, children, and seniors across the county. Adams County issues $13.4 million in SNAP benefits each month that supports local grocery stores and farmers, circulating federal dollars into the local economy. The federal government shutdown means the USDA will not send states the money for November SNAP benefits.

“If the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of our neighbors will have to decide between feeding themselves and their families or paying their rent,” Baca said. “Our community deserves to have their basic needs met and the opportunity to thrive.”

For residents and families who need immediate food support during the federal shutdown, Adams County encourages them to utilize community partners and nonprofits as well as the additional tools shared below:

• Call 2-1-1 or visit Mile High United Way’s 211 Help Center
• Enter your address in the Food Bank of the Rockies Pantry Finder to locate food distributions near you
• Connect with different Adams County community partners and resources through our resource guide (English) | guia de recursos (Spanish)
• Utilize the My Friend Ben tool for additional resources based on eligibility

Once the shutdown ends, Adams County will provide an update with details about the future of SNAP benefits. More up-to-date information can be found on the Colorado PEAK website as well as our website.