Government Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for 42 Million Americans

As the government shutdown enters its [undetermined] month, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) is sounding the alarm on the devastating impact it will have on food assistance programs. With 42 million Americans, including 1 in 10 Coloradans, at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Crow is calling on President Trump and congressional Republicans to reopen the government and protect vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways:

• The government shutdown threatens to halt funding for SNAP, affecting 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans.
• 600,000 Coloradans are projected to lose their food assistance through SNAP unless Congress acts.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it will halt money sent to states, including Colorado, starting November 1.
• Funding for the USDA's Emergency Food Assistance Program will also cease on November 1 unless government funding is restored.
• Congressman Crow has repeatedly called on Speaker Johnson and congressional Republicans to bring the House back to negotiate, pass a budget, and end the shutdown.
• A PDF of Congressman Crow's letter is available online, detailing his concerns and requests to the USDA and President Trump.

Statistics:

• 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance.
• 600,000 Coloradans are projected to lose their food assistance through SNAP unless Congress acts.
• 16 million children depend on SNAP benefits.
• 8 million seniors rely on SNAP for food assistance.
• 4 million people with disabilities depend on SNAP benefits.
• 1.2 million veterans rely on SNAP benefits.

Sources:

• Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), "Letter to Secretary of Agriculture Kristi Noem," October [no date recorded].
• USDA, "Shutdown Plan," [date not specified].
• Congressman Jason Crow, "Press Release," [no date recorded].