SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Resources

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What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. It provides a monthly benefit that helps families and individuals buy the food they need for good health.

In response to COVID-19, the federal government recently expanded college students’ access to SNAP benefits. If you are aged 18-49 and attend a college or university more than half time, work 80 hours per month, and can meet one additional eligibility criteria for students, you may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend for groceries of up to $250 per month through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Eligible students can use SNAP benefits for groceries at supermarkets, corner stores, farmers markets or online from Amazon, Walmart, King Soopers, and Safeway.

 

How to Apply

The application for Colorado’s food assistance program can be found at:

If you have children under 18: Hunger Free Colorado.

 

Eligibility Requirements 

Due to increased financial hardships brought about by the pandemic, in January 2021 Colorado college SNAP qualifications were amended to eliminate work requirements. Now, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education can apply for SNAP benefits if:

  1. They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work-study during the regular school year, and/or

  2. Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year.

Students also qualify for SNAP if they meet any of these exemptions as well: 

  • Are under age 18 or are age 50 or older.
  • Have a physical or mental disability.
  • Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
  • Participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
  • Participate in an on-the-job training program.
  • Care for a child under the age of 6.
  • Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care enabling you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
  • Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
  • Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
  • Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program.

 

SNAP Application Resources

Local SNAP Outreach Specialist:

In partnership with Community Food Share, we encourage students to reach out to Nubia Saenz directly if you would like assistance with your SNAP application. Fill out the outreach form with some basic information and she will get in touch with you directly. 

Nubia Saenz Email: nsaenz@communityfoodshare.org | Phone: (303) 652-3663 ext. 232 | Community Food Share, 650 S. Taylor Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027

Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline (open enrollment)

To find nearby free food resources and check your eligibility for federal nutrition programs, call our free, statewide bilingual Food Resource Hotline at (855) 855-4626 or fill out this online referral form.

SNAP PEAS (SNAP Partners Engaging in Application Services)

SNAP PEAS are partner organizations working directly with members of their community to help them apply for SNAP (also known as Food Stamps), and connect with other food resources for a healthier, happier Colorado. If your organization is interested in participating in the SNAP PEAS Program, please contact Emily Hunter at emily@hungerfreecolorado.org.

 

What is the SNAP Gap?

The “SNAP Gap” refers to the experience of some individuals or households who face SNAP access challenges. 

There are two forms of the SNAP Gap: 

  • Some folks may not qualify for SNAP assistance but the cost of living of the area puts additional burdens on to families and individuals, increasing their levels of food insecurity
  • The assistance given by SNAP usually runs thin by the end of the month, resulting in increased struggles paying for groceries. 

SNAP gap resources are available to cover till the next cycle or provide nutritional food for those that do not qualify for SNAP.

Double Up Food Bucks - Boulder County
If you are a SNAP recipient, you may be eligible for the Double Up Food Bucks program to purchase fresh produce. For more information in English and Spanish, visit the Double Up Food Bucks website.

SNAP Gap Resources

  • SNAP/Colorado PEAK (formerly known as food stamps) helps individuals and families buy food that is healthy and nutritious. 
  • WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy food, and other services free of charge. 
  • Hunger Free Colorado (855-855-4626) is a bilingual, toll-free number that connects Coloradans to needed food and nutrition resources statewide. 
  • 2-1-1 Colorado: Dial 2-1-1 to access this free, confidential, multilingual service that refers callers to social and community resources best suited to meet your needs. 
  • Boulder Valley School District is distributing several meals’ worth of food and fresh produce every Monday beginning Aug. 24 until further notice. Pick up hours are 9–11 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. at various locations.
  • St. Vrain Valley School District is operating multiple drive-through pick-up sites where families can receive lunch and breakfast food items 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
  • Chalkbeat has created a digital map to help metro Denver families locate their nearest free meal distribution site. 
  • Some Denver recreation centers, including the Swansea and Johnson recreation centers in Elyria-Swansea, are also providing dinner to children up to 18 years old on weekdays. 

AuntBertha: Search nationwide by your zip code to find free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition provides resources for housing and homelessness here.

Community Table Kitchen provides access to nutritious meals to hungry, low income individuals and families and provides jobs and job training for participants in Boulder Bridge House's Ready to Work program.

Emergency, Mutual Aid, and Organizing Resources for the Food Sovereignty Movement

  • Helping kids transition through new schedules and scary times
  • Organized efforts against evictions, secure paid sick leave, support tipped employees, 
  • Self care and mental health

Multilingual information on COVID-19 in Spanish, Korean, Nepali, Vietnamese, Chinese, Burmese, Amharic, Tigrinya, and Karen.

Internet access: Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet for qualifying individuals and households, offered free for your first two months.

Feed the Stampede Community Resources

Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

SNAP benefits are uploaded to an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Your EBT card can be used at authorized food stores and retailers.

SNAP can buy fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, seeds, and plants. SNAP cannot buy alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, prepared foods fit for immediate consumption, or hot foods. 

The SNAP Retailer Locator located on the SNAP USDA website allows you to search for SNAP-approved grocery stores near your address.

The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the federal government lifts the official designation of the nationwide COVID-19 public health emergency.

Students receive Expected Family Contribution (EFC) after applying to financial aid. You can find your EFC on your financial award letter or your Student Aid Report by going to fafsa.gov. 

If eligible, you will receive a certification period that tells you how long you will receive SNAP benefits for. Before that period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits.