Attorney General Weiser directs $400K in settlement funds to strengthen Colorado’s food security system amid SNAP cuts

Attorney General Weiser directs $400K in settlement funds to strengthen Colorado's food security system amid SNAP cuts

Nov. 6, 2025 (DENVER) - Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today that his office will direct $400,000 from a recent settlement with Dollar General to the Colorado Department of Human Services to strengthen Colorado's food security infrastructure.

The investment comes as the Trump administration's U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will issue only half of the normal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments for November-a partial restoration secured only after Colorado and 25 other states sued the agency during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The reduced and delayed payments have left Coloradans struggling to afford groceries, with uncertainty over when full benefits will resume. The $400,000 from the Department of Law will fund long-term improvements in refrigeration and food storage, and support volunteer networks across CDHS's statewide system of food banks and pantries-urgent, long-standing needs that have become critical as donations and demand have surged.

"As Coloradans face reduced and delayed food assistance from the federal government, our office is stepping up to strengthen the systems that help families put food on the table," said Attorney General Weiser. "During my visits to food banks and pantries, I've heard about one issue that doesn't get enough attention, and that is keeping food fresh for those served. Today's investment will expand refrigeration, storage, and volunteer support at food banks and pantries across Colorado, helping to keep fresh, nutritious food from going to waste and ensuring it reaches those who need it most."

The Attorney General's Office secured the Dollar General settlement after a state investigation found that the retailer charged customers higher prices at the register than those displayed on store shelves.

This is the second time the attorney general has directed consumer protection settlement funds to support food security. In 2023, his office provided $3 million from a Walmart settlement to bolster food access and diaper programs statewide, including support for CDHS's food network and community partners.

Last week, after Colorado and 25 other states sued the USDA for unlawfully withholding SNAP benefits during the shutdown, the agency agreed to release only a portion of November payments. The reduced benefits will be distributed later than usual, with no guarantee of benefits in December. These cuts have left millions of Americans, including more than 600,000 Coloradans, with reduced support and continued uncertainty about the months ahead.

With food banks and pantries reporting record demand and reduced federal benefits straining resources, Attorney General Weiser is encouraging Coloradans to volunteer and support local food banks and pantries urgently working to serve people across the state.

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Media Contact: Lawrence Pacheco Chief Communications Officer (720) 508-6553 office (720) 245-4689 mobile [email protected]