As the local department in charge of the program tries to fill unfilled vacancies, food stamp applicants in Denver are being referred to food banks, causing delays.
Food stamp applicants in Denver are being sent to food banks while the municipal agency in charge of the program works to fill empty positions, creating delays.
Denver Human Services
Tuesday, Denver Human Services informed 9NEWS that it is looking to fill 70 eligibility technician positions. According to spokeswoman Adriana Lopez, employees in these positions often assist with the processing of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments.
Furthermore, Lopez stated that they want to fill these positions as quickly as possible and are presently taking applications, but that there has not yet been a significant interest in the positions. Those interested in applying can do so on the city of Denver’s website. Meanwhile, the city intends to give priority to evicted persons, elderly at-risk adults, and people with medical issues when filing for food stamps. Community members who have already handed up paperwork and fear they are in danger should contact the hotline at 720-944-4347, according to Lopez.
In addition, Denver Human Services, in collaboration with the Food Bank of the Rockies, will have its monthly food pantry this Friday, Dec. 17. Anyone in need is invited to attend, and there is no need to register. At 9 a.m., the pantry will open. and will remain open until all of the food has been consumed. The event will take place at 3815 N. Steele St. is a major thoroughfare in the city of
Families experiencing difficulty paying for groceries can call Hunger Free Colorado’s statewide hotline at 855-855-4626, according to Denver Human Services.
SNAP Benefits
SNAP payments are now received by 42 million Americans. According to reports, 80,000 Denver residents received food stamp benefits in 2019. Despite the fact that SNAP is nationally financed, whether you qualify is determined by your state’s guidelines. Furthermore, Food stamps are normally available to persons with gross incomes up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level.
In addition in Social Security and food SNAP benefits over the Holiday, to qualify for food stamps, a single person family must earn less than $12,880 per year. In October, there was a permanent increase in food stamps due to the pandemic. People are experiencing a $36 per person rise on average.
