DeGette Slams SNAP Cuts Taking Effect Under Trump’s Big Bad Bill

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement as approximately 8,000 Coloradans will lose SNAP benefits due to new restrictions from the Big Bad Bill beginning May 1: 

“At a time when families in Denver are struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, Republicans are ripping food assistance away from children, seniors, and working families to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires,” said DeGette. “SNAP is not a bloated program—it’s about $2 per person per day, and it keeps food on the table for families who need it most. While Republicans are supporting illegal wars and putting their billionaire friends over hard working Americans, I will keep fighting to reverse Trump’s cuts and protect Colorado families.” 

"Current and pending cuts to SNAP benefits do more than just harm those who are food insecure. SNAP benefits provide critical and consistent income to healthy food retailers. Farms, farmers markets and grocery retailers - especially small and rural ones - already operate on razor thin profit margins, and any disruption to SNAP benefits disrupts their profits too. With the termination of the nation's largest public nutrition education program, SNAP-Ed, we also not only eliminated the most effective program at helping households do more with less, but also a program designed to support SNAP recipients shop at small retail and direct market operations," said Wendy Peters Moschetti, Executive Director, Nourish Colorado. 

“SNAP remains the most effective tool we have to reduce hunger in this country, and harmful changes from H.R.1 are coming at exactly the wrong time. Families across Colorado are already struggling with persistently high grocery prices, and we’re seeing participation decline even among people who qualify due to growing confusion, increased administrative barriers, and reduced benefits. Colorado deserves the same flexibility afforded to other states with higher error rates, including additional time to make improvements without jeopardizing access to food assistance. SNAP is a lifeline for families, seniors, and children across our state,” said Anya Rose, Director of Public Policy at Hunger Free Colorado. 

Impact on Colorado

• As of February 2026, 583,013 Coloradans rely on SNAP, including nearly half who are children, 10% seniors, and 15% people with disabilities.
• Beginning May 1, approximately 8,000 Coloradans will lose SNAP benefits due to new restrictions tied to immigration status, including refugees and other individuals granted humanitarian protection.
• Between passage of H.R. 1 in July 2025 and December 2025, SNAP participation in Colorado dropped by 4.5% which is a loss of nearly 27,000 participants statewide, including a 4.3% decline in Denver County.
• SNAP is also a critical economic driver in Colorado, supporting:
  • Nearly 21,500 grocery stores;
  • 10,100 jobs;
  • $486 million in wages;
  • Nearly $70 million in state tax revenue.

Despite persistent claims otherwise, SNAP fraud remains extremely low. Less than 1% of benefits are issued improperly due to intentional violations. 

Background on H.R. 1 SNAP Cuts

H.R. 1 includes $187 billion in cuts to nutrition assistance—the largest in U.S. history. Key provisions include: 

• Shifting massive costs to states and counties, increasing administrative cost-sharing from 50% to 75% and requiring states like Colorado to pay up to an additional $195 million annually in benefit costs.
• Capping updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which will erode the value of SNAP benefits as food prices rise.
• Expanding work requirements to new populations, including caregivers of older children and older adults aged 55–64.
• Eliminating SNAP-Ed, which helps families stretch their food budgets and access healthy options.
• Reducing benefits for roughly 200,000 Coloradans by disconnecting SNAP from energy assistance programs.

These provisions are being implemented gradually, with many participants losing benefits at recertification—meaning the full impact will continue to unfold over time. 

The Farm Bill and Future SNAP Cuts 

The Farm Bill, passed by the House yesterday, is now the primary legislative vehicle to address—or further entrench—these cuts. Current provisions would: 

• Lock in the SNAP cuts enacted under H.R. 1;
• Eliminate fruit and vegetable incentive programs that promote healthy eating;
• Allow private contractors to administer SNAP, increasing costs and risking delays or wrongful denials of benefits;
• Politicize federal nutrition guidance by inserting Members of Congress into the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans;
• Redefine SNAP’s mission, setting unrealistic and harmful benchmarks that undermine the program’s effectiveness.

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