WESTMINSTER, Colo. ~ Westminster, Colo. - Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera made a visit to Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School this morning to address the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on school meals for children. The visit was attended by students, educators, and local leaders.

During her visit, Lt. Governor Primavera had breakfast with students and discussed 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 without any 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."

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The federal shutdown poses a threat to access SNAP benefits for approximately 600,000 Coloradans starting November 1st, including tens of thousands of children. To mitigate the impact, the state is taking measures such as requesting up to $10 million in emergency funding from the Joint Budget Committee to support food banks and community pantries. They have also launched a SNAP Heat Map to direct resources to the most vulnerable communities and are working towards extending 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.

Joining Lt. Governor Primavera at the school were 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 seek support through 2-1-1 Colorado or by visiting FeedingColorado.org to find local food resources. The state is committed to ensuring that no child goes hungry during this difficult time.

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