Summary
In a decision today, the Colorado State Board of Human Services voted to delay the vote on the proposed “Healthy Choice” SNAP Waiver until April 3, postponing a policy that would restrict the purchase of certain beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Colorado State Board Delays Vote on Proposed SNAP Restrictions Following Overwhelming Community Opposition
DENVER, CO — In a decision today, the Colorado State Board of Human Services voted to delay the vote on the proposed “Healthy Choice” SNAP Waiver until April 3, postponing a policy that would restrict the purchase of certain beverages with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The delay follows weeks of public engagement and two hearings that drew strong opposition from SNAP recipients, healthcare professionals, retailers, rural advocates, and anti-hunger organizations across the state.
“This decision reflects how seriously the Board is taking the concerns raised by communities across Colorado,” said Mariah Guerrero, Senior Public Policy Manager with Hunger Free Colorado. “Advocates, healthcare providers, retailers, and SNAP participants made clear that this proposal raises significant concerns about hunger, stigma, and access to food. Delaying implementation allows more time to fully consider those impacts.”
Community Voice Made a Difference
At the February 6 and March 6 hearings, testimony overwhelmingly opposed the proposed restrictions. Participants shared how the policy could create confusion at checkout, increase shame for families using SNAP, and place costly burdens on small and rural retailers.
Healthcare providers 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 taxpayers, the cost in lives and dignity of my fellow peers, and the strain it could place on an already overwhelmed system,” shared Ty Smith, a peer (person with disability) born and raised in Colorado.
“As a dietitian, I’m relieved the state is taking additional time to consider the potential impacts of this proposal,” reacted Jess Church, a dietitian from Durango, CO. “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.”
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, advocates say it is critical that the program remain strong, stable, and accessible for the families who rely on it.
“SNAP works because it trusts families,” said Charlie Kestler, Community Justice Manager with Provecho Collective. “We appreciate the Board taking time to fully consider how these changes could affect hunger and access to food across Colorado.”
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.