As I write, it is day 40 of the federal government shutdown. I hope that by the time you read this, our federal government will be open again—because people are going without paychecks and food. (The federal government shutdown ended on Thursday, Nov. 13. The shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025, and lasted for 43 days.)
On Nov. 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding stopped due to this deadlock. SNAP provides grocery money to 42 million Americans who struggle to make ends meet—families, children, people with disabilities, and seniors. It is one of our
nation’s most effective safety nets, designed to prevent hunger. Yet for the first time in history, it has been suspended.
How did we get here, and what does it mean for us? Larimer County has been on an
unimaginable roller coaster, working through community partnerships to help those in need.
On July 4, H.R. 1 was signed into law—a tax and spending bill that grants massive tax breaks to the wealthiest while making deep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid over the next decade. Provisions that took effect on Nov. 1 have caused confusion and chaos for people who are hungry. For instance, H.R. 1 removes refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors from eligibility.
Constantly changing federal guidance has also undermined local administration and
accountability. The roller coaster intensified on October 1, when the shutdown began. On Oct. 10, states were directed to suspend all November SNAP benefits, and participants were notified on Oct. 22. Colorado approved $10 million in emergency funding, including $650,000 for the Food Bank for Larimer County.
On Oct. 31, two judges ruled the suspension unlawful. The federal government responded with partial payments, but a Rhode Island federal court ordered the release of full payments.
Colorado began issuing benefits to 600,000 citizens, totaling $120 million, under the guidance issued on Nov. 7. Then, the Administration appealed the ruling to the U.S.
Supreme Court, placing states in legal limbo and leaving people uncertain about their next meal. This is no way to run a government.
As of September, 18,817 LC households, about 34,000 individuals, received SNAP food
assistance: 16,264 children, 3,253 people over 60, and 4,879 people with disabilities.
Behind every number is a story—a person striving to live with dignity. SNAP adds $6.5 million each month to our local economy, benefiting grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Every dollar spent generates about $1.50 in economic activity. The average allotment is $191 per individual and $355 per household, requiring careful budgeting. Roughly half of SNAP participants under 60 work, but many cycle in and out of jobs, raising an important policy question: how can we stabilize work participation?
As an elected Larimer County Commissioner and a person of faith, I must speak truth to power. The cruelty and disregard for human dignity flowing from Washington, D.C., are unacceptable.
Undermining democracy is wrong. Setting politics aside, we must uphold the shared values of decency, compassion, fairness, responsibility, and community. “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Goodwill toward our neighbors defines us as a society, and we are all in this together. Gratitude to the many “brighter angels” among us—farmers, ranchers, restaurateurs,
foundations, human service workers, and countless individuals who give food, money, and time to serve others.
Helpful Resources:
- Food Bank for Larimer County Food Finder Map
- Larimer County Community Resources
- Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP
John Kefalas is a Larimer County Commissioner serving all of Larimer County.