During a government shutdown....
The Food Bank is here to provide support.
Funding for the federal government lapsed on Oct. 1. Many departments and agencies—including USDA— shut down. The severity and timing of disruptions to federal operations will vary from agency to agency. Congress must pass either fiscal year 2026 spending legislation or a temporary extension of current funding (a continuing resolution) to reopen the government.
While the Food Bank for Larimer County will remain open, a prolonged shutdown could potentially have an impact in two main ways:
- Most immediately, there could be increased demand for food assistance from two groups of people who largely may not be facing hunger today — people who work for a federal contractor and military and civilian federal employees, due to layoffs or missed paychecks.
- Depending on the length of the shutdown, there could disruptions to SNAP, TEFAP, WIC and other federal nutrition programs, due to a lack of funding, a delay in processing benefits or both. It’s important to know, though, that many services will not be immediately impacted. We will continue to provide information as it’s available and meet the needs of our community.
To help provide answers to commonly asked questions, please see below.
FAQs
What is the status of November SNAP benefits?
November SNAP payments are on hold. The federal government shutdown means Colorado can’t send benefits to approximately 615,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP. Neighbors will not receive their monthly food assistance benefits on November 1, totaling around $120 million for the month.
If I have SNAP benefits, should I continue to send in my paperwork?
Complete your redetermination and present your change reports within the original timeframes.
State and county officials are continuing to process new applications and recertifications.
Can I still apply for SNAP benefits?
State and county agencies are still working to process new applications. Please do not delay submitting your applications or renewal forms.
I’m a federal worker who lives in Larimer County. Do I qualify to use the Food Bank?
Food banks across the country are available to everyone, including federal employees, people who work for a federal contractor and other individuals impacted by the shutdown.
If you need food assistance, please visit our No Cost Markets: 2600 N. Lincoln Ave. in Loveland or 1301 Blue Spruce Dr. in Fort Collins. You’re welcome to fill out an informational application in advance or complete it when you arrive. The electronic version of the application can be sent to info@foodbanklarimer.org.
If you’ve never visited with us before, please plan to bring a photo ID and piece of mail with your name and address to verify you live in Larimer County. If you don’t live in Larimer County, and still need assistance, visit our food finder map to find resources most conveniently located near you.
Will the Food Bank close?
We will not close. The Food Bank for Larimer County is a private nonprofit, not a government agency.
While we do depend on some federal funding to support programs, the Food Bank’s sources for food and funding are diverse.
What are the biggest impacts to food banks if the government shuts down?
Food banks could see an increased demand for support. Workers who might not have needed assistance before could be turning to food banks for assistance. This includes federal contractors, military and civilian federal employees, who could be faced with layoffs or missed paychecks.
Longer term, a shutdown could disrupt federal nutrition programs, like SNAP, WIC and TEFAP. This could be another factor that would drive an increase in demand for food banks, if these programs see funding disruptions. Those who use these benefits may need to lean on food banks for more support.
How long will a shutdown last?
Previous government shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few hours to 35 days, and we promise we’ll be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
We will be closely following updates and communicate any changes to our community.
I need support getting food for my pet. Where can I go?
The Food Bank partners with Colorado Pet Pantry to host a monthly pet food supply pantry.
To learn more and see dates for upcoming pantry, please visit Colorado Pet Pantry’s page.
Where can I go to find the most updated information on SNAP?
For the most up-to-date information, please check the official source: Colorado PEAK Website.
