DENVER — Everyone is at their best when they have enough to eat, but life storms—like an unexpected pandemic—can make it difficult for Coloradans to afford healthy food.
Community resources like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) exist to ensure families and individuals living on a limited income have access to the food they need for their health and well-being. SNAP provides the support needed to weather this storm and the opportunity for those in need to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets.
A third of Coloradans and more than half of parents are struggling to afford healthy food due to the changes during the pandemic. Many are experiencing food insecurity for the first time and may not know about food resources available to them.
Coloradans can check their eligibility and apply for SNAP or learn more about other available food resources, such as free school meals or food pantries, at COFoodFinder.org.
SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families and individuals in need so they can purchase healthy food. SNAP benefits are loaded on an easy-to-use debit card to help with grocery purchases.
In addition to assisting those struggling with food insecurity, the SNAP program helps our economy recover by supporting Colorado producers and grocery retailers. SNAP can be used at grocery stores as well as farmers markets to buy local, fresh produce and food items.
COFoodFinder.org was created by local nonprofit Hunger Free Colorado. Hunger Free Colorado works from the federal to the local level to address the issue of hunger. Hunger Free Colorado connects people to food resources to meet existing needs while helping instate stronger policies and systems, and changing social views, so all Coloradans have access to affordable, nutritious food.
Key services include a statewide, bilingual, confidential Food Resource Hotline, (855) 855-4626; strengthening programs that connect students to food in and out of school; advancing policies and improving systems to increase access to food; and educating to change hearts and minds about hunger.
To learn more, visit CoFoodFinder.org or HungerFreeColorado.org.
