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Local Agencies Coordinate Emergency Food Response Amid Federal SNAP and WIC Disruptions

Volunteers Carol Westphal and Gary Muff help stock shelves at the Good Samaritan Food Center.
Chris Clements / KSJD
Volunteers Carol Westphal and Gary Muff help stock shelves at the Good Samaritan Food Center.

Local officials and food providers across Montezuma and Dolores counties met Wednesday, October 22nd to coordinate an emergency response to the suspension of federal SNAP and WIC benefits caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The convening, facilitated by Alix Midgley of the Good Food Collective, focused on assessing local impacts, resource coordination, and communication plans to support residents facing food insecurity.

According to county officials at the meeting, Montezuma County has 4,921 SNAP recipients who stand to lose nearly $894,000 in monthly benefits, while Dolores County has about 300 recipients at risk of losing more than $40,000 in assistance. Statewide, Governor Jared Polis has pledged $10 million in emergency support for food pantries and WIC services.

Local food providers, including Good Sam’s Food Pantry, Grace’s Kitchen, and Mancos Food Share, reported they can sustain current demand for roughly two to four weeks but expect a sharp rise in need if federal benefits remain delayed. Pantries are prioritizing monetary donations and essential items such as infant formula, fresh produce, and whole milk.

To ensure consistent messaging, the group is developing a shared FAQ document and updated resource flyers to be distributed through schools, libraries, churches, and local media outlets. Volunteer coordination is also underway through regional emergency response teams, with a 25 percent increase in demand expected among elderly and disabled residents.

Colorado’s 3rd congressional district also employs an estimated nearly 13,000 people across the federal sector, most of whom are on furlough and have missed a paycheck. This could potentially also add to the burden of local food providers.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday to finalize fundraising plans and volunteer assignments as local agencies prepare for continued disruptions in food access.

LP recently moved to the Four Corners from Austin, Texas, where they worked as a Case Manager for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and in HOA property management where they were fortunate to learn many different styles of communication and creative thinking/problem solving. In their time away from work, they watch a ton of movies (spanning all decades, nationalities, and genres), and tries to listen to one really good album every day.
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