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As federal SNAP benefits face reductions, Teller County is taking proactive steps to ensure no family goes hungry.
Teller County leaders joined KOAA News on Tuesday to unveil a coordinated local response, to what Commissioner Dan Williams described as a “perfect storm” of rising food insecurity and reduced funding. The report by KOAA captured the urgency and clarity of Teller County’s efforts.
Teller County is launching a coordinated food response ahead of expected SNAP reductions and sharply rising demand at local pantries.
"There's been plenty of discussion about a crisis. We've been talking about this for quite a while, and as you know, it's a perfect storm. Essentially what you have is a combination of federal and state grants that have been reduced by 25% with a need that's increased by 25%. So there's a delta there, and I don't have to tell you food has gone up," said Williams.
"In the last six weeks, that has increased from 25% increase to 50% increase," said Jodi Mijarez, CEO of the Community Partnership Family Resource Center in Woodland Park. "What we're losing in the SNAP benefits is basically $450,000 a month in support to our families. That is a combined budget of these four agencies of $325,000 a year for food pantry," said Mijarez.
Anticipating further impact, county leaders worked promptly to implement proactive solutions and move that effort forward. Teller County is joining forces with nonprofits, faith-based partners, emergency management, veteran groups, and community organizations such as Kiwanis.
Four core agencies serve over 9,000 residents annually:
- Community Partnership Family Resource Center
- Aspen Mine Center
- Teller Senior Coalition
- Little Chapel Food Pantry
Teller County is asking residents who have the ability to give to step up for the households that are being hit the hardest. "By doing that, we are basically looking at 90% of the people in our county and asking them to help the 10% in need," said Commissioner Williams.