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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Local food pantries are reporting an uptick in shoppers as the government shutdown nears its fourth week. Cross Fire Ministries tells KRDO13 that they typically have 20 families a day sign up as new guests, but after recipients of SNAP benefits were alerted that they would not have access in November, Cross Fire Ministries says the new sign-ups doubled. On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1 as the government shutdown drags on. The same day, the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry at Freedom Church reports its biggest distribution yet. In two hours, they say they served 54 families representing more than 100 people. The food pantry says it typically serves 30-40 people on Sundays. KRDO13 spoke with many people who rely on SNAP benefits, who say Cimarron Hills Food Pantry is a great place to find essentials. One woman, Kaveen Rose, works nearby and tells KRDO13 it was a shock to hear the federal SNAP benefits were ending. "I wonder what the heck I'm going to eat for breakfast or lunch or dinner, depending on what I'm working. But I worry about how I'm going to eat. It's like, well, I always needed a diet. I didn't think that I would be on one now," said Kaveen Rose. For now, Rose says she finds comfort in the food and the people at the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry. She says people like Pastor Scott Maxon and the other volunteers are always willing to listen. "It's just a wonderful opportunity to give back. You know, one of the mottos for our food pantry is serving our community in Jesus' name, so people can go get food anywhere, any food bank. But what makes us unique is is we take an interest in the folks that come and visit us," explained Pastor Scott Maxon. The food pantry is always accepting financial and food donations to continue giving back to the community. You can connect with and find ways to donate to the Cimarron Hills Food Pantry here. KRDO13 also reached out to multiple school districts to see if they would assist students and families during this time. Colorado Springs Academy School District 20 sent this communication to families: Academy District 20 has learned SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. However, school meals are still available. For families in need of additional food before SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help: · Colorado 211: Call 2-1-1- or 866-760-6489 or visit www.211colorado.org · Feeding Colorado: Visit www.feedingcolorado.org/find-foeod or email info@feedingcolorado.org · Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626 Academy District 20 also participates in the state program, Healthy School Meals for All, meaning free breakfast and lunch will still be provided at school. A Colorado Springs School District 11 spokesperson tells KRDO13 that they have food pantry programming at certain schools throughout the year. Colorado Springs School District 11 has notified families that they can continue to rely on free school breakfasts (where available) and free school lunches. Many of our schools are also stocked with food pantries to assist families who may be experiencing need. Programs like Cougars Care at Coronado High School exemplify the generosity and community spirit that support our students and families year-round. As always, our school counselors and community liaisons are working closely with families to connect them with community resources and local partners, including Care and Share Food Bank, Pikes Peak United Way, and numerous churches who generously support our school communities. Harrison School District 2 is encouraging families to take advantage of the free school meals for students. In Harrison School District 2, we’ve been proactively communicating with our families, staff, and community partners about this situation. All D2 students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch, and this program will not be affected. We’re encouraging families to make the most of both meal opportunities for their students. To further support students and reduce food waste, we’re launching a USDA-approved Share Table program. This allows students to leave any unopened, shelf-stable items—for example, a sealed applesauce cup—on a shared table for other students to take if they wish. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure good food doesn’t go to waste while helping address food insecurity. We also maintain an up-to-date list of local food pantries and distribution sites located near our district or with strong ties to our families and staff. These resources are available on our district website for anyone who may need additional support. Here is what Pueblo School District 70 will provide: Pueblo County School District 70 students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch. There is no change to the current meal schedule. We understand that some families may need additional support during this time. We have provuded information for local resources, including Colorado 2-1-1, to help families access food and other essential services. Pueblo School District 60 also has many plans in place to support students. All Pueblo School District 60 students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day. In addition, the district partners with several community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County and local libraries, to expand access to meals outside of school hours. Boys & Girls Club members receive meals through club programming, and free suppers are also available to anyone under the age of 18 at participating library locations. These meal programs are funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and offered through the Colorado Food Program. To help ensure students have consistent access to food, the district’s food share program makes shelf-stable items that are not consumed during the school day available to any student who needs them. In addition, many D60 schools operate on-site food pantries or backpack programs, allowing families to take food home for evenings and weekends. The district’s nutrition services provider, SFE, is also coordinating a canned food drive in partnership with D60 to further support students and families who may experience food insecurity during the federal government shutdown. All D60 students will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch. School meals will not be affected by the federal government shutdown. Pueblo School District 60 will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, Monday through Thursday, at every school site. KRDO13 also contacted District 49 and has not received a response.
