Last month, I was texting with my dear friend from grad school, who is a pre-school teacher, and she said, “This government shutdown is about to make my job a lot harder.”

I asked, “How so?”

She puts it plain and simple. “Most of the kids I work with are low-income. Kids being fed isn’t a priority, but God knows we have money for a ballroom.”

As of November 1, 2025, SNAP benefits were on hold nationwide, leaving thousands of Colorado families in limbo. Since that time, benefits have been temporarily restored — but only after eight breakaway Democrats, none of whom are up for reelection, crossed the aisle to pass a stop-gap budget that funds the government only through January. The move ended the immediate crisis without offering any long-term stability.

The compromise brought SNAP back online, but it came at a steep cost: those same Democrats agreed to a budget that did not include continued protections for ACA health-care subsidies, leaving millions facing higher premiums or potential coverage loss in 2026. In other words, food assistance resumed for now, but the broader safety net remains at risk — with the most vulnerable families once again bearing the consequences of political maneuvering.

Colorado counties continue processing SNAP applications and recertifications so residents can receive benefits the moment federal dollars arrive, but that reassurance doesn’t change the reality: the deal five Democrats made traded long-term health-care security for a short-lived funding patch that expires in January.

This stop-gap fix may have reopened federal offices, but it left millions exposed. Families relying on SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA subsidies are now living month-to-month under the threat of another shutdown, higher health-care costs, or both — while the lawmakers who made the deal won’t face voters any time soon.

As I sit down to write this year’s Giving Guide, I start at the source: the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. In a rust-orange callout block — a color that feels almost borrowed from Thanksgiving — a “special reminder” jumps out from the usual, expected information.

Let me be clear: I can verbalize my disappointment in the language of this announcement. The question is whether anyone actually wants to hear it. We demand opinions these days, but mostly so we can tear them apart — feeding the machine that tells us we’re all wrong, driving the same wedge that was supposedly meant to bring us together.

It reads as follows:

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

I know it’s more complicated than that, or maybe it is all black and white. What do I know? I’m just a writer.

What I do know is this: we’re keeping food from hungry kids and adults trying to catch a break during a month of abundance and gratitude, just because some of us believe in universal healthcare. And both, to me, should be included in the pursuit of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Phrasing it differently: the unborn and hungry are deserving of our empathy but not our action, apparently. And, apparently, Trans kids don’t deserve either empathy or action, which I also feel strongly about.

It’s hard not to sigh heavily as I get started, but here we go again…

On Tuesday, October 28th, Colorado joined a 22-state lawsuit “suing to force the Trump Administration to tap into an emergency reserve fund to provide federal food aid in November as the government shutdown grinds on” (Colorado Public Radio).

In joining the lawsuit, Attorney General Phil Weiser stated, “It is clear President Trump and his USDA are making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice to not fund the SNAP program during the federal government shutdown despite the availability of contingency funds. The government is legally required to make payments to those who meet the program requirements.”

This is the first time in history that SNAP benefits have been delayed since the program’s inception in 1939.

Then, there’s H.R. 9495, also known as the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” which was introduced by sponsor, Rep. Claudia Tenney [R-NY] on September 9th, 2024. Also known as the “Nonprofit Killer” Bill, it states “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse paid late fees for United States nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad, to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations, and for other purposes.”

Confused by that wording? I was, too.

In a Civil Society Letter on September 20th, 2024, 354 civil liberties, religious, reproductive health, immigrant rights, human rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+, environmental, and educational organizations wrote to The House of Representatives and urged opposition to H.R. 9495, which includes the following:

“It grants the Secretary of the Treasury virtually unfettered discretion to designate a U.S. nonprofit as a “terrorist supporting organization” and to strip it of its tax-exempt status if the Secretary finds that the nonprofit has provided material support to a terrorist group, even if the “support” is not intentional or connected to actual violence.”

It took a few more rounds of research for me to make sense of it. Short version? If a nonprofit were to unknowingly support an individual who was an immigrant who also happened to have a family member in the drug cartel, that nonprofit could lose its 501(c)(3) status, which also means that the organization is no longer available to provide resources and assistance to others who need it.

H.R. 9495  passed the House on November 21st, 2024.

This “Kill Nonprofits Bill” is, candidly, the executive branch’s misuse of authority to shut down an organization it disagrees with without due process. In a time when SNAP benefits are on hold and the possibility of vilifying organizations doing their best to fill those gaps while government organizations take petty jabs at “the other side” does not, to me, seem in the best interest in the people.

Now, friends, is the time to protect free speech and uplift the causes closest to our hearts.

I won’t get into how this bill would allow the executive branch to wrongly deem any nonprofit they don’t like as a “terrorist organization.”

I won’t carry on about the inflammatory language about “healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures,” distracting from the fact that we’re not helping to feed hungry families this month.

I won’t give you my editorial jibe about something-something “Let them eat cake,” because frankly, the remark has been made one too many times before.

I’d like to focus, instead, on the community-forward organizations in Boulder County that we can support now. Regardless of your affiliation, I sure hope we’re all on the same page about feeding those who need a plate this month of Thanksgiving. The greatest impact we can make starts with our communities, one kind interaction at a time, at home. I do my best to not let the wedge between us grow.

Colorado Gives Day 2025 is on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, but I encourage you, please don’t feel that you have to wait until then to donate to the causes you care about. If you’re in need of ideas, please check out our guide below.

This year’s Giving Guide focuses on food security and supporting resources for immigrants.

Feeding and Supporting Families

Sister Carmen

Sister Carmen Community Center is the only organization providing comprehensive basic needs services and resources to the most vulnerable residents in East Boulder County (Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and Erie). Through family-centered programming, they promote health, safety, well-being, and economic stability by meeting one-on-one with the people we serve. SCCC aims to improve the quality of life for our participants, and assist them in recovering from challenging experiences by providing timely and meaningful wrap-around support in our program areas.

 Broomfield FISH

Broomfield FISH (Fellowship In Serving Humanity) has been a vital community resource serving economically disadvantaged residents for more than 60 years. Originally founded in 1963 by a group of women from six local churches, FISH recognized that many community members were going hungry and began collecting and distributing food to those in need. In 2001, the organization incorporated and in 2002 filed for 501©3 status. FISH began as a food pantry, but has since expanded services to include an array of resources and programs designed to help people become more self-sufficient. In 2018, FISH became the only Family Resource Center (FRC) in Broomfield County. After joining the Colorado Family Resource Center Association, we began focusing on whole-family, two-generational health and well-being. Generally, FISH serves residents in Broomfield County living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, offering food, emergency financial assistance, referral services to more than 30 partner organizations, and strengths-based, whole family development pathways.

 EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Associate)

EFAA is building a community where all of our neighbors can meet their basic needs and springboard themselves and their children out of poverty. For over 100 years, EFAA has served as Boulder County’s safety net, collaborating with volunteers, donors, partners, and participants. They ensure the community has access to food, housing, and other resources to move toward financial stability and resilience. When families thrive, the community is stronger.

 Boulder WIC

Boulder County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) promotes and maintains the health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and infants and children by providing: supplemental nutritious foods; nutrition and breastfeeding information; referral to other health and nutrition services. Many working families qualify. Individuals who participate in other programs, such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), may automatically be income-eligible for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. […] WIC does not ask about citizenship status, and WIC cannot track the citizenship status of its clients.

 Community Food Share

At Community Food Share, the mission is to ensure everyone in Boulder and Broomfield Counties has access to the nutritious food they need to not just survive, but thrive. However, they are more than a food bank they are a neighbor and a friend. Life can get hard ,and when it does, they will always be here to support you when you need it the most. There are multicple food programs

 Coal Creek Meals on Wheels

The mission of Coal Creek Meals on Wheels is to support independence and quality of life for Lafayette, Louisville, Erie & Superior residents by providing nutritious meals and social contact. Coal Creek Meals on Wheelsenvisions a future where every individual, regardless of age or circumstances, enjoys access to nutritious meals and meaningful connections. They aspire to foster a community of dignity, where no one goes hungry or feels alone, where compassion and support thrive, and where all individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

 OUR Center

Founded in 1986, OUR Center is a community-based, non-sectarian Family Resource Center serving the St. Vrain Valley. With two Longmont locations, they connect families and individuals to coordinated services that address urgent needs while building long-term stability. Supported by strong community partnerships and operating with just 13% administrative costs, they strive to help help their neighbors thrive with dignity and opportunity.

 Harvest of Hope

Harvest of Hope Pantry opened in 2012 and is the only food pantry in Boulder that serves everyone who comes to the door. They offer a client choice shopping experience where individuals select their preferred foods within our shopping allowances. We provide fruit, vegetables, bakery items, canned foods, dairy, meat, and frozen foods. The Pantry serves individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. Their aim is to provide a welcoming shopping experience where everyone can leave with the food they need, often filling the gap that other services are unable to offer.

 A Precious Child

A Precious Child, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008, provides essential resources and opportunities to children and families in need across eight Denver Metro counties, helping every child reach their full potential through cradle to career programming. Each year, they serve 50,000 children and 14,000 caregivers with cost-free essentials like clothing, hygiene items, food, and diapers – provided with dignity. Our programs also offer access to sports, arts, education, and resources like backpacks and holiday gifts. Through their workforce readiness program, they help build skills for long-term success. With the support of 7,000 volunteers and our network of 300 Agency Partners, we are building a thriving society for all. Learn more at APreciousChild.org.

 St Aidan’s Episcopal Church

St. Aidan’s is a church of ancient tradition, warm community, and meaningful service. Through our worship and our community life, we support each other so that we might serve and share the Gospel, the way of love, with the world around us. When you look around at St. Aidan’s, you will see a diverse community that includes people of all ages and many different backgrounds. Some have found the Episcopal Church as adults, some were raised in this congregation, and all have found it to be a whole and life-giving spiritual home. You’ll see retirees, families with children, students and grad students, faculty, singles, and more. You are welcome at St. Aidan’s no matter what religious or spiritual background you come from or no religious background. They are fully LBGTQIA+ affirming. LGBTQIA+ people are welcome to participate fully in our communal life and may take on leadership positions, be married, and receive all the means of grace available to all members of the community.

Immigration/Latino Assistance

 Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state. CIRC achieves this mission through non-partisan civic engagement, public education, and advocating for workable, fair and humane immigration policies.

 El Centro Amistad

El Centro Amistad creates opportunities and programs that promote equity in Health, Education, and Quality of Life for the Latino Community in Boulder County. Each year they conduct over 100 community activities in Boulder County, helping people of all ages, interests, and needs. Language is a powerful tool in any community, and AMISTAD values ??the importance of intentional terminology in our work. Their programming approach is to provide meaningful opportunities for the community to engage in and explore the formation of its identity in a way that honors its process and cultivates autonomy in individual and collective self-identification. They recognize the diversity that exists within our communities through Indigenous heritage, race, gender, migration histories, culture, and more. Our communities are not homogeneous, and moving away from general colonial and institutionalized terms is a movement to reclaim identities that have been oppressed, and this process should be respected, honored, and celebrated.

 El Comite

El Comité is a social justice and human service organization that supports, educates, connects, and advocates to eliminate barriers and empower Latino and immigrant community members. Founded by the community and born from advocacy, El Comité has spent more than four decades standing with and for Latino and immigrant families in Boulder County. As the only fully bilingual and bicultural human service provider in Boulder County, thier services are vital for the over 3,000 people we serve annually. Everyone deserves access to trusted legal support—regardless of income or background. They offer low-cost consultations with experienced attorneys to help make the best possible decisions for yourself and your family.

 Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that serves low-income adults and children in immigration proceedings. RMIAN promotes knowledge of legal rights, provides effective representation to ensure due process, works to improve detention conditions, and promotes a more humane immigration system, including alternatives to detention.

 Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder

The mission of the Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County is to expand access to reliable legal services for the immigrant community, to educate the immigrant population about U.S. Law and to educate the general public about legal difficulties encountered by immigrants in this country.

---

The ones who dared to fight City Hall.

When Boulder denied public access to police body-cam footage, we took it to court. Our fight for transparency is now before the Colorado Supreme Court — because accountability doesn’t stop at the city line.

Through December 31, every gift to Yellow Scene will be matched — dollar for dollar — through the Colorado Media Project’s Matching Grant.Give & Get Democracy this Holiday Season. Your $8 recurring monthly support not only gets you YS delivered to your house, but it’s matched for the entire year, bringing that $8/month to $192.  

Because Independent journalism isn’t just about telling stories. It’s about protecting your right to know, holding power accountable, and keeping democracy in the light. This is #newsCOneeds Becoming a sustaining supporter today for $8 a month!