SNAP cuts could devastate Colorado families & the economy
March 4, 2025
In Colorado, 1 in 10 residents—over half a million people—rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with more than 60% of recipients being families with children. If proposed federal budget cuts to SNAP move forward, the consequences will be severe for working families, older adults, and the state’s economy.
The House GOP’s recent budget resolution calls for $230 billion in cuts from the House Agriculture Committee to offset tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. A leaked proposal suggests that most, if not all, of these cuts would come from SNAP, translating to $3.2 billion in reductions for Colorado over the next decade, just so the wealthiest can pay less taxes.
Key changes include harsher work requirements, eliminating state flexibility to adjust income and asset limits, and rolling back the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), effectively reducing monthly benefit amounts below what is necessary to maintain a healthy diet. These changes would create more red tape and bureaucracy, not less, contradicting claims of reducing government “waste” and “fraud.”
For example, imposing stricter work requirements would worsen administrative inefficiencies in Colorado, where SNAP is processed at the county level and faces federal corrective action for delays. The reality is most SNAP recipients already work, while those who don’t are typically seniors, children, disabled individuals, or caregivers. Work requirements have been proven ineffective at promoting long-term financial stability and would only make it harder for families to access food assistance.
Beyond individual hardship, cutting SNAP would have a ripple effect on the economy. SNAP is an economic multiplier—every $1 invested generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity. Reduced benefits would hurt small businesses, grocers, and food producers, leading to lower consumer spending and slower job growth.
While Congress pushes to cut SNAP, Colorado is working to expand food access and boost local economies. The state legislature recently introduced SB25-169, which would bring the USDA’s Restaurant Meals Program to Colorado. This initiative allows seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing housing instability to use SNAP benefits for prepared meals at participating restaurants. Currently, nine states have adopted this program, which supports vulnerable individuals while boosting local businesses.
"SNAP benefits are meant to help people buy groceries, but for those without a kitchen, or who struggle to prepare food, that’s not a realistic option. Without the ability to cook, many individuals are left with unspent benefits while still going hungry,” shared Greta Allen, policy director for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger. “The Restaurant Meals Program helps bridge this gap, ensuring federal food assistance is actually used for its intended purpose—feeding people."
At a time when hunger remains a pressing issue, cutting SNAP would be a step in the wrong direction—harming families, deepening economic inequality, and stalling local growth. Instead of stripping vital resources, lawmakers should focus on expanding federal nutrition programs to strengthen local economies and combat food insecurity.
By Dayana Levya, policy manager for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger