Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera Visits Adams County Elementary School to Highlight School Meals During Federal SNAP Disruption

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera visited Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School this morning to meet with students, educators, and local leaders, highlighting the continued availability of school meals for children amid the ongoing federal government shutdown and looming SNAP funding lapse.

During the visit, Lt. Governor Primavera shared breakfast with students and spoke with school and district administrators about the challenges families face when federal nutrition assistance is disrupted. She emphasized that every Colorado student can continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at school, no paperwork required.

"While Washington leaves families hanging, here in Colorado, we are taking action," said Lt. Governor Primavera. "Universal school meals are one of our most important resources for families, and we are committed to making sure every child has access to nutritious food."

The federal shutdown threatens access to SNAP benefits for approximately 600,000 Coloradans beginning November 1, including tens of thousands of children. The state is taking steps to mitigate the impact, including requesting up to $10 million in emergency funding from the Joint Budget Committee to support food banks and community pantries, launching a SNAP Heat Map to direct resources to the most vulnerable communities, and working to extend WIC nutrition benefits through November. Governor Polis also released a statement on Friday, after the federal government announced that they would not reimburse states for any funding used to supplement SNAP food access.

Lt. Governor Primavera was joined at the school by Representative Shannon Bird, Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter, Adams 12 Five Star Superintendent Chris Gdowski, Arapahoe Ridge Principal Nikki Sirko, and Arapahoe Ridge Food Services Director Sarah Grunow.

Families in need are encouraged to reach out for support through 2-1-1 Colorado or by visiting FeedingColorado.org to find local food resources.

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