Summary
After two hearings with overwhelming opposition and a pending lawsuit, the Colorado Department of Human Services has hit pause on the proposed “Healthy Choice” SNAP Waiver, a policy that would have restricted the purchase of certain beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The waiver has been removed from the Colorado State Board of Human Services’ April 3rd agenda and there is not another hearing set at this time.
DENVER, CO — After two hearings with overwhelming opposition and a pending lawsuit, the Colorado Department of Human Services has hit pause on the proposed “Healthy Choice” SNAP Waiver, a policy that would have restricted the purchase of certain beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The waiver has been removed from the Colorado State Board of Human Services’ April 3rd agenda and there is not another hearing set at this time.
The tabling of this waiver follows months of public engagement and two public hearings that drew strong opposition from SNAP recipients, healthcare professionals, retailers, rural advocates, and anti-hunger organizations across the state.
“This was a victory for Colorado families,” said Mariah Guerrero, Senior Public Policy Manager with Hunger Free Colorado. “The Board listened to the community’s concerns and chose dignity over stigma, and access over restriction. We’ll continue to monitor this waiver and encourage proponents to listen to the voices and lived realities of SNAP recipients as we work towards achieving our shared goal of expanding healthy food access for all Coloradans.”
Community Voice Made the Difference
At the February 6 and March 6 public hearings, testimony overwhelmingly opposed the proposed restrictions, showing the power and importance of the community having a seat at the table. Participants shared how the policy would have created confusion at checkout, increased shame for families using SNAP, and placed costly burdens on small and rural retailers.
Healthcare professionals testified that there is no compelling evidence that restricting SNAP purchases improves health outcomes. What is well documented, however, is that policies that increase stigma and administrative barriers reduce participation in food assistance programs — increasing hunger.
“I grew up in poverty and my family relied on food stamps, back when they were still paper. I know the shame of returning an item because it was more than I thought and the end of the month blues where all you can eat is what you can get even if it has no good taste or nutrition. Those who use SNAP have little to no luxury, it was the only thing I had for most of my life to make life just that more bearable, to give me strength to move forward when there was nothing else. I’m glad that enough voices spoke up to give the Board the knowledge they needed to make an informed decision, helping them see the cost that reducing any quality of life will have, the cost to the taxpayers, the cost in lives and dignity of my fellow peers, and preventing more intensive costly services in an overwhelmed and overburdened system!,” shared Ty Smith, a Peer (person with disability), born and raised in Colorado.
“As a dietitian, I’m relieved Colorado is tabling this waiver and choosing to protect our most vulnerable by maintaining SNAP’s core function of meeting basic food needs. Everyone deserves the dignity to choose the food that’s right for them regardless of income, neighborhood, or medical conditions that can alter their nutritional needs,” reacted Jess Church, a dietitian from Durango, CO.
CDHS’ decision to table this waiver preserves SNAP’s core strength: flexibility, dignity, and trust.
A Stronger Path Forward
Advocates emphasized that improving health outcomes requires expanding access — not limiting choice. Proven strategies include nutrition incentive programs, culturally relevant nutrition education, and investments in rural food access.
At a time when SNAP faces ongoing federal threats and funding uncertainty, today’s move to table the waiver ensures Colorado will not undermine its most effective anti-hunger program.
“SNAP works because it trusts families,” said Charlie Kestler, Community Justice Manager with Provecho Collective. “Today, Colorado chose to strengthen that trust.”
Advocates say they remain committed to working with state leaders to advance evidence-based solutions that expand food access and improve health outcomes without increasing hunger.