BOULDER, Colo. – October 28, 2025 – With federal SNAP benefits expiring November 1, Boulder faces a severe food emergency. Local journalist Jann Scott emailed City of Boulder Communications Director Sarah Huntley and City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde on October 27, warning: “We are getting requests for emergency food bank locations starting Nov. 1 when SNAP runs out. Plus, govt workers are furloughed or fired.”
Scott told officials the city’s two main food banks are depleted. “The 2 Boulder food banks you listed are out of food,” he wrote. “I think we have a big problem.”
City Communication Senior Program Manager Lyndsy Morse-Casillas responded, acknowledging “increased need across our community.” She directed residents to Boulder County’s website for federal service impacts and listed Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), Harvest of Hope Pantry, and Boulder County AIDS Project as resources. She also promoted Boulder County Findhelp, an online tool launched this year by the Boulder County Family Resource Network.
Food bank leaders confirm the crisis. EFAA told  Boulder Channel 1, “We do not have enough food. Shelves are bare; we’re rationing what little remains.” Harvest of Hope Pantry  said, “We’re out of rice, pasta, canned vegetables—donations can’t keep pace.
”The loss of SNAP coincides with over 1,800 local government workers facing furloughs or termination due to federal and state budget cuts. During the pandemic, the City of Boulder and Boulder Valley School District opened emergency food sites. Scott pressed city leaders: “What are you doing now by Nov. 1?”
No new city-run pantries are planned. Officials rely on nonprofits  urging donations and volunteer support
Residents in need should visit findhelp.org/boulder or call 211. However, the city of Boulder needs to step up and open its’s own food bank now