English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Denver, CO

As the federal shutdown halts food assistance for 600,000 Coloradans, state and local leaders are rushing to keep families fed.

COLORADO, USA — With the federal government shutdown expected to stretch into the weekend, food assistance for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans is on the verge of running out. The lapse would pause benefits for roughly 600,000 residents — half of them children — who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

In Denver, that potential shortfall feels personal. On Thursday night, a line of people formed outside the Denver Dream Center, where volunteers served what they call their “community dinner.” It’s a weekly ritual that’s taken on new urgency.

“We’ve done this every Thursday for three years now,” said Michael Johnson, a street team director with the Dream Center.

Johnson said the center, which typically serves 100 to 120 people at the dinner each week, is preparing for larger crowds if benefits lapse.

“Crisis creates opportunity,” he said. “This is going to give us an opportunity to serve more people, connect with more people, and hopefully get them connected to the services they need to help them get better.”

On Thursday, Mayor Mike Johnston announced a coordinated city effort to ensure that families don’t go hungry. The city’s plan — created with council members, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, Human Services, and community partners — forms a Food Access Task Force to address the loss of federal benefits.

According to the city, as many as 100,000 Denver residents — one-third of them children — could lose access to SNAP this weekend. The initiative includes a one-stop website with food access resources, a Saturday youth lunch program at recreation centers, and donation drives for both people and pets.

Johnson with the Dream Center said he appreciates the proactive response.

“Putting together a food task force with all the food banks, nonprofits, and churches coming together — I think it’s going to make a huge impact,” Johnson said.

In Aspen, local leaders are working on their own small-scale solution. Lindsay Maisch, director of Pitkin County Human Services, said the county will begin issuing grocery gift cards directly to SNAP recipients and will support the local Harvest for Hunger food pantry.

“We’re small enough that we can do this,” Maisch said. “To have 335 individuals, that’s something we can conceptualize. But we worry a little bit more about some of the big counties who aren’t able to increase their capacity.”

Maisch said Pitkin County typically distributes about $66,000 in SNAP benefits each month, compared with “millions and millions” issued in larger counties.

Gift card amounts will be based on each household’s typical monthly SNAP benefit level. If the shutdown continues beyond mid-November, the county will assess both the need and the supply of additional grocery cards for the following month. Cards will be distributed through the Pitkin County Department of Human Services beginning Nov. 5, 2025.

At the state level, Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera announced an emergency allocation of $10 million to support families and stabilize food banks across Colorado.

The funding, approved by the Joint Budget Committee, will be used in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies and local organizations to distribute grocery cards and food directly to households most at risk.

The state also confirmed that WIC benefits — which help pregnant women, new mothers, and young children access food and formula — will continue through November using carryover funds, but could be affected if the shutdown continues into December.

In a statement, the governor’s office said the goal is to “ensure families have access to food during this federal disruption and prevent hunger from spreading across our communities.”

The state’s relief effort will serve as a temporary bridge until federal benefits resume.Full details are available on the governor’s website at colorado.gov/governor.

This Halloween weekend in Denver offers a variety of events, allowing you to enjoy various food, music, art, and cultural activities around the city.

When: Sat, Nov 8, 7 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $35+ The Lowdown:

The Denver Fashion Week’s Sustainable Fashion Show is back and ready to kick off the week in style! This incredible showcase of cutting-edge sustainable fashion is a must-see event for anyone passionate about the future of fashion. Experience the perfect blend of style and eco-consciousness, and leave feeling inspired and motivated to make a difference.

When: Sun, Nov 9, 3 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $40+ The Lowdown:

As our city continues to emerge as a cultural hub, it has been inspiring to witness young models and their fabulous mothers showcasing their unique styles. This truly reflects the ever-evolving fashion landscape that resonates within our community.

When: Tue, Nov 11, 6 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $35+ The Lowdown:

Get ready to be captivated at the upcoming Streetwear Fashion Show! We invite you to wear your favorite street-style ensemble and most coveted sneakers. Discover a diverse range of clothing, accessories, and sneakers that will elevate your fashion style.

When: Wed, Nov 12, 6 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $35+ The Lowdown:

Maximalism is a design and art philosophy characterized by “more is more,” celebrating abundance, vibrant colors, bold patterns, and a rich collection of objects, often with personal stories. We encourage you to express yourself most boldly and outrageously as possible. Think vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and a whole lot of attitude!

When: Thu, Nov 13, 6 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $35+ The Lowdown:

This is Colorado’s fashion pinnacle, where cutting-edge trends and visionary designs converge in an awe-inspiring showcase. This season, we are delighted to present an exceptional lineup of designer collections that are set to redefine the runway. Our talented models will showcase these groundbreaking styles, offering a glimpse into the future of fashion.

When: Sat, Nov 15, 7 p.m. Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216 Cost: $35+ The Lowdown:

Picture this: the energy of the crowd, the buzz of excitement in the air, and the spotlight shining bright on you as you showcase your most fabulous Western attire, complete with cowboy boots, wide-brimmed hats, denim, fringe, and turquoise accents.

When: Nov 2, 9 p.m. Where: 1800 S. Broadway Denver, Cost: $23+ The Lowdown:

Step into a world where glitter meets graveyards and sequins rise from the shadows. This one-of-a-kind performance brings together the sultry spectacle of burlesque and the outrageous artistry of drag in a head-to-head showcase of dark fantasy and vibrant tradition.

When: Oct 30, 6 p.m. Where: Kachina Cantina – 1890 Wazee St. Denver Cost: $70+ The Lowdown:

When: Nov 1, 6 – 8 p.m. Where: My Neighbor Felix – 1801 Central St. Denver Cost: FREE The Lowdown:

Guests can enjoy personal tarot card readings while sipping on a curated menu of Halloween-inspired cocktails. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique night out or a visitor wanting an immersive Denver experience, Haunted Hacienda offers the perfect mix of festive fun and atmospheric charm.

When: Nov 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Denver Milk Market – 1800 Wazee St., Ste. 100 Denver Cost: FREE The Lowdown:

When: Nov 2, 11:30 a.m. Where: Hudson Gardens & Events Center- 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr. Littleton Cost: $10 The Lowdown:

As hundreds of thousands of Coloradans brace for federal food benefits to run out amid the ongoing government shutdown, Denver7 is sharing what local leaders are doing to step in and help.

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DENVER — The Colorado General Assembly's Joint Budget Committee (JBC) approved two emergency funding requests Thursday morning for low-income food and nutrition support amid federal government shutdown disruptions.

"We are getting $10 million out the door, as the federal shutdown continues, to help food banks meet record demand and continuing to fund WIC so that no parent or child goes hungry in Colorado," Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release. "It’s also important for families with school-aged children to know that students can still receive two free meals a day at school."

The JBC approved $10 million in one-time emergency funding to expand grants for food banks and pantries statewide. It also continued the $7.5 million previously approved for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition access program.

Only $775,000 of the $7.5 million allocated for WIC was used in October, according to the governor's office. The JBC's approval of continued funding will ensure coverage for November benefits and Colorado WIC operations for the month. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will repay the funds once the shutdown ends and normal operations resume, according to the governor's office.

Under the plan that the JBC approved, the $10 million in emergency funding will be distributed through the Community Food Assistance Grant Program in three installments. The Trailhead Institute administers the Community Food Assistance Grant Program, making it possible to get resources directly to food banks and pantries more quickly.

Given the possibility that the federal government shutdown continues for a while, the funding distribution will be spaced out over Saturday, November 1, Saturday, November 15 and Monday, December 1.

Gov. Polis previously said the $10 million is “certainly not enough” to fill the $120 million gap left by the federal government support for SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families purchase food.

To view a heat map of how many Coloradans depend on SNAP benefits, click here.

"Half of the 600,000 Coloradans who benefit from SNAP are children; this emergency budget request pushes past the dysfunction in Washington to help families access food pantries and food banks,” JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had been warning for weeks that SNAP funding would dry up if the federal shutdown stretched into the November. Gov. Polis called on Coloradans to help support those in need by donating to Feeding Colorado.

Coloradans in need can call 211 or (866) 760-5489 or visit the 211 Colorado website. There is also a list of resources on Feeding Colorado's website. You can also email info@feedingcolorado.org. Those looking for the most up-to-date information should click here.

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The Denver Christkindlmarket will move to a new location in the Mile High City. A second German-style holiday market is opening in Colorado Springs.

DENVER — A popular holiday market is moving to a new location in Denver this season as a second market prepares to open in Colorado Springs.

The German American Chamber of Commerce - Colorado Chapter (GACC-CO) said its Denver Christkindlmarket will move to Auraria Campus this holiday season due to construction at Civic Center Park.

The German-style holiday market will open Friday, Nov. 21, on the east side of the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus. The 25th annual festival will remain free and open to the public daily from 1 to 9 p.m., through Dec. 23.

The Denver Christkindlmarket will be joined by the 110-foot Mile High Tree, which has also moved to Auraria Campus from Civic Center Park.

New this holiday season, a second Christkindlmarket is preparing to open for the first time at Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Springs Christkindlmarket will feature the market's trademark German holiday experience on a smaller scale, with 10 wooden huts and authentic food, drink and entertainment.

The Colorado Springs market will be open Dec. 11 to Dec. 14, as well as Dec. 18 to Dec. 23, from 12 to 8 p.m.

"The GACC-CO wanted to take the Denver Christkindlmarket’s success of strengthening the city’s culture and economic opportunities to Colorado Springs by producing a Christkindlmarket that reflects its extraordinary community and adds to the magic of the holiday season," said GACC-CO Executive Director Samantha Seems.

"Old Colorado City and the German American Chamber of Commerce recognize the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Colorado Springs unique are the reason the city flourishes," said Sara Vaas, President of the Old Colorado City Partnership. "The Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket will be a festive holiday market representing the culture, businesses, and people of Colorado Springs."

"Experiencing other cultures or even getting a better understanding of your own heritage opens people’s perspectives and fosters meaningful connections," said GACC-CO President Barbara Wittmann. "The OCC Christkindlmarket is a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to meet and connect with their neighbors to celebrate the season."