Across Colorado, a growing number of families are struggling to afford food. At the same time, federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are increasing barriers for families and shifting new costs to the state. As these pressures grow, one thing remains clear: SNAP is the strongest tool we have to close the gap between rising food costs and what families can afford.
That’s why advocates from around the state gathered at the Colorado State Capitol on March 11th for our Keep SNAP Strong Day at the Capitol — to urge lawmakers to protect funding revenues for SNAP.
Advocates traveled hours from communities across Colorado to meet with their legislators, share their experiences, and highlight the importance of protecting SNAP. For some participants, today was their first day at the Capitol and first time speaking with their representatives. For others, this was their 5th time coming to the Capitol to advocate for protecting food access. For everyone present, it was an opportunity for lawmakers to hear directly from the communities that rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Today legislators heard from actual SNAP participants, SNAP outreach navigators, community food banks, and local farmers who provide fresh produce to SNAP through incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks.
“My farm in Wellington accepts SNAP and we know that having robust SNAP is incredibly important to those customers whose stories and names we know very well because we see them at our weekly farmers markets. It’s also important for legislators to know that while SNAP is critical for our community, it is a significant revenue stream for small businesses and a powerful way to support our local food economies,” shared Laurel Smith, farmer at Here and Now Farms in Wellington, Colorado.
SNAP currently helps more than 600,000 Coloradans afford groceries — about one in ten of our neighbors. But recent federal changes are putting pressure on every part of the system that makes SNAP work.
Beginning in 2026, the federal government will shift more administrative costs to Colorado, requiring the state and counties to do more with fewer federal resources. By 2027, Colorado will also be required to help pay for SNAP food benefits for the first time, at an estimated cost of about $130 million per year. At the same time, federal funding for SNAP nutrition education — programs that help families stretch their food dollars and prepare healthy meals on a limited budget — has been eliminated.
“The fact that the federal government has decided to reduce their allocation from 50% to 25% for SNAP administration costs, and now the state has to pay 75% of SNAP administration, is very significant. As a family, with the high cost of living here, we definitely need the help. With SNAP assistance, we can make ends meet and buy groceries and healthy meals,” shared Cesar Martinez, member and volunteer with SANA in Glenwood Springs. 
Together, these changes threaten reliable access to food for families across the state.
Advocates came to the Capitol to remind lawmakers that SNAP works because it is a system made up of several connected parts: benefits, administration, outreach, and community-based nutrition education. When any one of these components weakens, families face more barriers to accessing the food they need.
“As a first-time lobby lead, it was an honor to help guide passionate individuals as they shared their stories and perspectives. It underscored the diverse communities we serve through SNAP outreach work, and the critical importance of being a voice for those who are often overlooked. It reinforced the hope that our representatives will heed the call to truly deliver for their constituents and enact meaningful change,” said Heily Esparza, SNAP Outreach Navigator with Hunger Free Colorado.
During meetings with legislators, community members shared how SNAP has supported their families, businesses, and communities. They also highlighted the economic impact of the program — SNAP benefits are spent at more than 3,000 retailers across Colorado, and every $1 in SNAP benefits generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity.
“We came 2.5 hours from Glenwood Springs. This is our 5th time coming and it’s always a pleasure to converse with our representatives and build our relationship with them so we can continue to meet them in our district afterwards. It’s also great to share with people who are here for the first time that they are representing us and that it’s our job to let them know what is important to our community and to help them make informed decisions,” shared Judith Alvarez, Director of SANA from Glenwood Springs.
At the center of every conversation was a clear message: Colorado has an opportunity to protect food access and strengthen SNAP at a critical moment.
Voters created a path forward when they passed Proposition MM. After fully funding Healthy School Meals for All, more than $60 million is expected to remain available that can help support SNAP benefits, administration, outreach, and community-based nutrition education.
Advocates urged lawmakers to use these funds to keep SNAP strong — including covering new administrative costs, protecting outreach funding so families facing barriers can access the benefits they qualify for, restoring community-based nutrition education, and preparing for upcoming food benefit costs in 2027.
While policy decisions are made in legislative chambers, the momentum behind them is often built by communities speaking up. Lobby Day is one way to ensure that the people most impacted by hunger and food access policies have a seat at the table.
From first-time advocates to longtime partners, the voices that filled the Capitol this year made one thing clear: Coloradans are ready to stand together to protect SNAP so that families can put food on the table.
Together, we can keep SNAP strong.
