Food assistance for county residents threatened by government shutdown

Published on October 17, 2025

The ongoing shutdown of the federal government could leave almost 40,000 Weld County residents without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as soon as Nov. 1.

The Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) updated the board of commissioners last week on the impact a continued government shutdown will have locally.

“I’ve been in numerous meetings and on many calls with local and state agencies as we stay updated on the situation and the effects a continued shutdown will have here in Colorado,” said WCDHS Director Jamie Ulrich.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service notified states that there are insufficient funds to fully support SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals nationwide. In Weld County alone, this will impact 18,774 cases representing 39,238 individuals who currently receive SNAP benefits. The total value of November benefits at risk in Weld County is $7,264,581.78.

“There will be a lot of families throughout Weld County who will need additional assistance with basic essentials if the November benefits are delayed,” Ulrich said. “This will put even more pressure on local resources, such as community food banks, to try to provide assistance to families in need.”

Despite the shutdown, however, Ulrich said the department will continue to process applications and redeterminations as benefits are expected to resume when the shutdown is over.

“We recognize the significant impact this will have on our community,” Ulrich said. “We will continue to work with the Colorado Department of Human Services as well as monitor USDA guidance until this is resolved.”

Visit the county’s human services department webpage for additional information about SNAP.