Resources for Denver Preschool Families During Government Shutdown, SNAP Benefit Issues

With the current U.S. government shutdown, the delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting on November 1st is affecting 1 in 6 Denver residents, including preschool families and young children. While SNAP benefits may be reinstated at any time, there may also be a delay in the rollout of funds. Due to the lack of clarity and ever-changing nature of this situation, Denver Preschool Program (DPP) has compiled a list of resources for families looking for food support, additional information about SNAP benefits, and early care and education resources. 

Denver Food Resources and Food Markets

Denver families who need food now should call the Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626 or 211. 

The City of Denver has a Food Assistance page with helpful resources, including: 

• Find Food: Use the interactive food pantry map from Colorado 211 or this food pantry map from Food Bank of the Rockies to find a food pantry near you. 
• Food for Youth: Denver’s Tasty Food Program is expanding services for ages 3-18. Beginning Saturday, November 1, 2025, Tasty Food will offer FREE, wholesome lunches every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 14 participating recreation centers across Denver (listed under Tasty Food Menu and Schedule dropdown in the above link). This special weekend service will run through January 3, 2026. No ID or registration required. This is in addition to Denver’s Tasty Food Program’s regular after-school meal program, which provides cost-free, nutritious suppers to youth Monday through Friday throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
• Food for Families: The Denver Public Schools (DSP)Foundation has reopened its pandemic-era Food Security Fund to provide grocery cards for families affected by SNAP benefit delays, in addition to its wraparound community hubs and school food pantries.
• Food Delivery: For families needing food delivered to you, the City of Denver’s Food Assistance page highlights three organizations offering delivery services: 
  • 211 Colorado 
  • Hunger Free Colorado
  • RTD Food Delivery Program

Additional Food Market Resources

• Denver No-Cost Grocery Programs (NCGP) provide free food every day at various locations across Denver. No registration or identification required. 
• Denver Community Fridges is tackling food insecurity and food waste in the Denver metro area by providing outdoor fridges and pantries for anyone to stop by anytime. Visit a location and get food. 
• Metro Caring stocks a Fresh Food Market with nutritious and culturally-specific foods at 1100 E. 18th St. Denver, CO 80218. Appointments are required.
• Community Ministry Food Pantry offers fresh food, clothing, and school supplies at 1755 S. Zuni St. Denver, 80223. 

SNAP Benefits in Denver

News on SNAP funding is changing daily. Check the official Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP page for the most current updates. You can also call the SNAP support line at 800-816-4451. 

Whether you are new to SNAP benefits or have been receiving benefits already, a delay in SNAP funding can impact your account. To ensure your registration is current and that you are eligible for funds as soon as they are available, do the following: 

• Recertify and check your account. 
  • To check your account, login to the EBT card app: ebtEDGE, ConnectEBT, or Colorado’s app (depending on your program)
  • Call the customer service number: printed on the back of the EBT card
  • Online portal: Log in to the Colorado PEAK website or app
• Need to Apply for SNAP benefits? 
  • Apply for or review current SNAP benefits in November at the following Denver Human Services locations:
    • Richard T. Castro Human Services Center (1200 N. Federal Blvd., Second Floor Entrance, Denver, CO 80204)
    • Welcome Center (2929 W. 10th Ave., Denver, CO 80204)
    • Denver Human Services East (3815 Steele St. Denver, CO 80205)
    • Arie P. Taylor Municipal Center (4685 Peoria St. Denver, CO 80239)
    • DHS also has neighborhood-based locations at the St. Francis Center (Downtown Denver) and Westwood Community Center (West Denver).

For more information on SNAP and the funding freeze, check out these local news resources. 

• Denverite: SNAP help in Denver: How the city is preparing
• CPR News: How to help and get help amid SNAP benefits uncertainty in Colorado
• Denver7: Joint budget committee approves funding for food, nutrition support amid federal government shutdown 

Volunteer or Donate to Help Denver Neighbors 

If you are interested in supporting your Denver neighbors, the City of Denver has outlined ways to donate time, money, food, or pet food. The DPS Foundation is accepting donations to its Food Security Fund. Many of the organizations and projects mentioned in this article are accepting donations and/or volunteers. Reach out to a food pantry, market, or organization near you to support your community. 

Additional Resources for Denver Families

For Denver families with preschoolers, food may not be the only thing on your mind as you juggle your little one’s needs. These additional resources can help you find child care, locate child development support, and more. 

• Raising Colorado Kids 
• myfriendben
• Focus Points Family Resource Center 
• Commún Denver 
• Servicios de la Raza
• Jewish Family Service
• Denver Indian Family Resource Center

Be sure to sign up for DPP’s Family Dispatch, our monthly bilingual newsletter (English and Spanish), which offers insights about important enrollment dates, news, local events, learning activities, and more!