Response to Federal Action

Due to a recent federal policy change under H.R. 1, approximately 9,000 Coloradans are losing access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting May 1, 2026. We are sharing this update to make clear what is changing, who is impacted, and how we are responding as a community.

What’s Changing

• • • This change is part of H.R. 1, a federal law passed by Congress that makes changes to public assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); includes limiting who can qualify.
    • Impacted families and individuals will no longer receive SNAP benefits that help them purchase groceries.
    • This is technically very complex. We are encouraging anyone who is unsure about their status to check with a county caseworker for individual case guidance.

Here’s who is affected and no longer eligible for SNAP, though some members of mixed-status households (like children) may still qualify:

• • • Refugees and asylees (except Cuban and Haitian entrants)
    • Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees
    • Survivors of sex or labor trafficking who hold a T visa or U visa and have not yet obtained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status
    • Individuals with deportation withheld / withholding of removal
    • American Indians born in Canada
    • Battered spouses, children, or parents who have immigration status through VAWA and have not yet obtained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status
    • Individuals paroled into the U.S. for 1+ year

Here’s who is still eligible for SNAP:

• • • Cuban and Haitian entrants
    • Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens
    • Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) – 5+ years status or qualifying exemptions; includes Amerasians and Iraqi/Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders

This change will have immediate & real impacts on neighbors & local food systems across Colorado.

• • • Thousands of people will no longer be able to afford groceries and may have to make difficult choices between buying food and covering other basic needs like rent, utility bills, and/or medication.
    • We’ll likely see more fear and confusion about accessing services, on top of concerns about ICE; some may not seek support even when they need it.
    • There’ll be increased demand at local food pantries and banks, which already face limited funding, staffing, and food supply (and cannot replace SNAP).
    • There may be ripple effects across our local economies, including reduced spending in communities at grocery stores, farmer stands, and markets.

This moment calls for us to come together – and Provecho Collective will do its part to ensure all neighbors can access the food they need safely and with dignity, no matter where they come from or their immigration status.

• • • We’ll share clear, accurate info so people understand what’s changing or not. 
    • We’ll help connect folks to trusted, local food resources, along with food pantries so they have the resources to continue serving all people.