Nourishing Families Through Uncertainty: Where to Find Help Without SNAP

If you're facing a gap in SNAP benefits this November due to the government shutdown, you're not alone—and there are many resources available to help you and your family access nutritious food. We empathize with the fear and emotional stress you may be feeling right now. Whether you're in Colorado or another state, here’s a guide compiled by the Early Learning Ventures (ELV) team to help you find support.

No matter the state you live in, call restaurants and gas stations near you and ask them if they are doing anything for children and/or families who are not receiving SNAP benefits. There are many restaurants here to support their communities!

Colorado Statewide Resources

There are hundreds of food pantries across Colorado, both small and large. Use the below resources to locate food pantries near you.

These resources are available across Colorado:

• Feeding Colorado Food Finder – Locate food pantries and meal sites.
• Colorado 211 – Call or visit online for statewide assistance.
• Hunger Free Colorado – Food Resource Hotline: (855) 855-4626. Continue to apply for SNAP benefits- counties are still processing paperwork so you are ready to receive benefits when funding is available. Hunger Free Colorado can help you with the application and let you know if you are eligible.
• CDHS SNAP Updates – Stay informed about benefit changes.
• Gopuff

- Accepts Snap EBT after creating an online account

- Add SNAP-eligible groceries to your cart

- From November 1-15, 2025: use code SNAPRELIEF1 at checkout for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and FREE delivery

- From November 16-30, 2025: Use code SNAPRELIEF2 at checkout for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and FREE delivery

• Statewide Libraries- Contact your local library to check for SNAP resources

- The Denver Public Library, in partnership with The GrowHaus, offers food boxes with fresh produce, dairy, and other nutritious items to families with children under 18. There are many locations participating in this program; contact your nearest location or visit the linked website for more information.

County-Specific & Local Resources

Denver Metro

• SAME Café (So All May Eat) – Pay-what-you-can meals and free produce Fridays.
• Colorado Food Cluster: Food Trust – A pilot program offering fully discounted groceries to all residents, regardless of income, through select partner stores.
• Heart of Jerusalem Café – Kids eat free until benefits are restored (dine-in only, child must be present).

Pueblo

• Do Drop Inn Pizza– Pay it Forward Pizza: You can purchase a large cheese pizza (feeds 4–6 adults) for $15 either online or in person. No pizza will be made, but staff will place a prepaid ticket on their community board for someone in need of food assistance to claim. If you are currently using SNAP benefits, you can call or stop in to see if there is a donated pay it forward pizza available, but you will need to show your SNAP card. If there are no prepaid pizzas available, you can still get a discounted large cheese pizza for $15.

- There is also a New Mexico location offering free meals to children until benefits are restored.

Morgan County

• Rising Up Food Pantry
• Stubs- Beginning November 1^st, Stubs is offering one free meal per day to any child 16 and under who is utilizing SNAP benefits. Your child must be with you to redeem their meal, and a SNAP card must be presented to the cashier.

San Luis Valley (SLV)

• Food Trust Grocery Partners – Free grocery store in SLV.

Colorado Springs and Monument

• Chicken Salad Chick – Kids eat free until benefits are restored (dine-in only, child must be present).

Apps & Online Resources

• Too Good To Go Mobile App – Perfectly good, discounted left over food from restaurants
• Flashfood Mobile App – Fresh produce, meat, and more at up to 50% off
• The Real Dollar Tree Dinners (Facebook & YouTube): Budget-friendly meal ideas on Facebook and YouTube.

Additional Pantries & Programs

• Food Bank of the Rockies
• Sacks of Love Food Pantry | Struggle of Love

We know this is a difficult time, and these resources are here to help you and your family stay nourished and supported. Please share this guide with others who may benefit. If you know of additional resources or local businesses offering support, please share them with us so we can keep this guide updated.