Pueblo County United Way sees ‘unprecedented’ need due to SNAP delay
Justin Reutter
Pueblo Chieftain USA TODAY NETWORK
The United Way in southern Colorado is going through “unprecedented times,” as approximately $8 million of SNAP benefits in Pueblo County alone were not delivered to recipients on Nov. 1.
While two separate federal judges ordered on Oct. 31 that the federal government must tap into contingency funding to pay for SNAP benefits in November, it is unclear when SNAP benefits will be disbursed, and in what amount.
“We’ve talked a lot about that within our team, about how this is something we’ve never had to face together as a community, because we’re looking at around 25,000 households that may have to make the choice of, do I eat today or do I pay my rent? Do I eat today, or do I
fill up my gas tank so I can get to work? It’s a significant impact on our community,” said Tanya Simental, vice president of the United Way of Pueblo County.
The United Way’s mission is to respond to community needs, Simental said, so when “crises come up, it’s our responsibility to convene the community and bring organizations together so that we together can respond to the crisis at hand.”
In Rhode Island on Oct. 31, U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ruled that the USDA must tap into a $5.25 billion contingency fund to continue SNAP benefits.
During verbal arguments prior to the ruling, Justice Department lawyers argued it isn’t possible to provide partial benefits, which cost up to $9 billion per month, from the contingency fund.
Meanwhile, Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled that the government is “required” to continue providing SNAP benefits, but stated she would give officials until Nov. 3 to decide how to do so, as reported by USA Today.
Talwani ruled the government has the option to provide reduced benefits with contingency funds or shift other discretionary funds to cover the shortfall.
Even if full benefits are received, Simental said that United Way expects delays in the issuance of benefits for southern Colorado residents.
“That’s why it’s so important to us to bring together the community and all the partners so that we can begin planning, so that while it’s going to be a hardship on those pantries, we can respond as best as possible,” she said.
A total of 41,241 individuals, or about 24% of Pueblo County residents, are on SNAP benefits; a significant number of them, 14,120, are under the age of 18.
For those who can help, the United Way has set up an emergency help fund at pueblounitedway.org/help, 100% of which goes directly to agencies providing food and support for families.
Volunteers are also needed at food pantries across the city and county.
“We also want to express that the way that the community can support one another is to show each other grace during this time, be supportive of those people who you may not even realize are going through a hardship,” Simental said. “This is a very stressful time for a lot of people, and I think as we go through the days and weeks ahead, we need to give each other grace and be patient with each other, and treat each other with dignity and respect.”
Meanwhile, the United Way is having discussions about how to support local businesses that will be impacted indirectly through declining sales revenue as a result of delayed or reduced benefits. The social services organization will soon be meeting with the Department of Human Services, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and business owners to determine how best to support them.
“Supermarket Gonzalez, for example, has a significant amount of income that comes in from SNAP purchases, and we know that’s going to be a hardship for those smaller businesses, and larger businesses as well. So we’re convening that meeting to address some of the ramifications they’ll be facing in the coming weeks,” Simental said.
Despite the hardship coming in the weeks ahead, Simental said she’s proud of how the community has rallied to support those in need.
“There is so much encouragement, and so many bright spots knowing that so many community organizations, business owners, and local government officials are stepping up in a big way to support the community.”
Conversations with community partners will be “ongoing” to identify gaps and provide solutions for the community for as long as they need to, Simental said.
Where to donate to help Pueblo County food pantries
In a recent post on the United Way’s Facebook page, the organization provided a list of food pantries, churches, nonprofits and other organizations that are lending a helping hand across the county, as well as instructions on how to help support them.
● Servicios De La Raza: Located at 809 W. 4th Street, Servicios De La Raza is accepting snack and easy-open items, shelf-stable goods, and pantry items. You can drop off items Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
● Pueblo United: Located at 615 E. 5th Street, Pueblo United is accepting nonperishable food items, frozen food, baby formula, diapers, and pantry staples for delivery to any area of Pueblo. To donate items, contact 719-696-8586 or drop off during business hours.
● Ecumenical Church Pueblo West: Located at 434 S. Conquistador Ave, the Ecumenical Church is accepting nonperishable food items and pantry items, as well as monetary donations. Drop off items Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
● The Pueblo Shelter: Pueblo Shelter, located at 728 W. Fourth Street, is accepting snack and easy-open items, shelf-stable goods, fresh items for daily hot meals, and pet food. Drop off items Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
● Rocky Mountain SER: located at 330 Lake Ave., Rocky Mountain SER is accepting non-perishable food, frozen and cold food, pantry staples, baby formula, and diapers. Drop off item Monday- Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enter through door 3 in the back.
● The Avenue Church: The Avenue Church, located at 3030 Thatcher Ave., is accepting non-perishable food items, baby formula, diapers, pantry staples, and pet food. Contact 719-561-1512 to schedule drop off Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
● SoCo Harm Reduction: Located at 219 W. Northern Ave., SoCo Harm Reduction is accepting non-perishable food, frozen and cold food, easy-open items, instant meals, coffee, tea, creamer, and sugar.
● East Side Council/Supermarket Gonzalez: Located at 224 E. Fourth Street, Supermarket Gonzalez is accepting food items and pantry staples for delivery of items to the east side of Pueblo. Drop off at Supermarket Gonzales during business hours.
● Additional drop-off locations include Vectra Bank at 200 W. City Center Drive, and Power Credit Union, located at 1615 E. Evans Ave. Those locations are accepting additional pantry staples and non-perishable food items.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin Reutter at jreutter-ma@ gannett.com. Follow him on X, at @jayreutter1. Support local news; subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe. chieftain.com
