Colorado Governor Calls on Trump Administration to Prevent Disruption to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Strategic Insights -

Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently partnered with a group of governors in a letter to the Trump Administration, urging them to prevent disruption to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the federal government shutdown. SNAP provides essential food access to 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities. The program has a significant impact on low-income families, allowing them to make ends meet and prioritizing essential expenses like rent, heat, and healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food access to 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities.
  • SNAP helps lift families out of poverty by allowing them to allocate funds towards rent, heat, or healthcare instead of food.
  • Infants and children receiving SNAP benefits are more likely to receive regular medical check-ups, and older adults receiving SNAP benefits are more likely to adhere to prescribed medications due to having enough money for both food and medicine.
  • SNAP supports nearly 388,000 jobs nationwide and generates over $20 billion in direct wages.
  • The program results in more than $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.
  • SNAP distributes approximately $120 million in federal food access resources each month, benefiting local grocers, farmers, and nearly 10,000 grocery workers statewide.
  • Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.50 in local economic activity, bolstering small businesses and rural economies.

Statistics:

  • 42 million people rely on SNAP for food access.
  • 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities receive SNAP benefits.
  • SNAP supports nearly 388,000 jobs nationwide and generates over $20 billion in direct wages.
  • The program brings in more than $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.
  • SNAP distributes approximately $120 million in federal food access resources each month.
  • Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.50 in local economic activity.

Sources:

  • [Letter to the Trump Administration, signed by Governor Jared Polis and fellow governors]
  • [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)]
  • [Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)]
  • [Feeding Colorado philanthropic initiative]
  • [News release from Governor Jared Polis' Office]