When the federal government shut down on October 1, it triggered a wave of uncertainty: many federal workers aren’t getting paid, national parks are running on skeleton crews, and as of November 1, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits dried up. The pause affects 42 million Americans, including about 10 percent of Coloradans, who rely on the money for groceries.

Colorado leaders are scrambling to cushion the blow. State legislators approved spending $10 million to help Coloradans in the meantime, but because the state can’t load funds directly onto EBT cards, that money will go to Feeding Colorado, who will divide it among food banks most in need. In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston launched a food assistance task force meant to help nearly 100,000 Denver County SNAP recipients connect with alternative assistance programs.

On Monday, the Trump administration announced it would restart SNAP benefits—partially. After two federal judges ruled the pause unlawful, the administration agreed to pull about $5 billion from an Agricultural Department contingency fund, short of the roughly $8 billion required to fully fund SNAP each month. On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to pay for SNAP benefits in full by Friday, but whether or not the administration will comply remains to be seen. Families should expect delayed and, perhaps, partially reduced benefit amounts.

In the meantime, nonprofit organizations and food banks are watching demand climb fast. The good news? Coloradans have never been shy about pitching in. Here are ways to help keep your community fed during the shutdown—and how to access help if you need it.

1. Give to Arvada’s “No Neighbor Hungry” Campaign

If you can help: The Arvada Resiliency Taskforce aims to collect 2,000 $25 gift cards by November 15 to support families during the SNAP lapse through its No Neighbor Hungry campaign. Cards will then be distributed to local organizations like Community Table and the Bridge. Drop off physical gift cards at one of the locations listed online or email digital gift cards to info@arvadachamber.org.

If you need help: Community Table (4600 W. 60th Ave., Arvada) offers a client choice food pantry stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, frozen food, and more. Shoppers must live west of I-25, and proof of address is required. Find a complete list of Arvada-based food pantries through the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce website.

2. Launch a virtual food drive

If you can help: As the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, Food Bank of the Rockies acts as a distribution hub by partnering with more than 800 hunger relief organizations to over 80 million pounds of food annually. You can donate food at one of the bank’s two distribution centers, but the biggest impact comes from launching your own virtual food drive (think birthday fundraisers and workplace challenges) to rally your friends and family to donate cash. Share widely: Fundraisers promoted on social media can receive up to 40 percent more donations. Why is cash more effective than canned goods? Thanks to Food Bank of the Rockies partnerships and bulk-pricing, they can stretch your dollar farther.

If you need help: Food Bank of the Rockies maintains an online pantry locator tool to search for food near you. Search by zip code to find hours and locations.

3. Visit your favorite food hall

If you can help: Six metro area food halls are turning friendly competition into community support this month. Edgewater Public Market, the Golden Mill, Stanley Marketplace, Freedom Street Social, Denver Central Market, and Avanti Food and Beverage are hosting food drives to benefit local nonprofits throughout November. The food hall that collects the most donations earns bragging rights—but every venue wins by helping keep Colorado families fed.

If you need help: Each food hall’s donations go to a different local organization: Jeffco Eats, BGOLDN, Village Exchange Center, Community Table, Kaizen Food Rescue, and Bienvenidos Food Bank. Visit each organization’s website to learn how to access their services and find upcoming distribution events.

4. Join a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group

If you can help: Ditch the doomscrolling and instead, put your social media obsession to good use. Join local Buy Nothing Facebook groups, where you can offer up everything from surplus groceries to backyard produce. The Buy Nothing Denver Metro Facebook group has launched a grocery buddy program, where members can offer to take on the grocery expenses of an individual or family for a set period of time by shopping together or sending gift cards.

If you need help: On Facebook, search “buy nothing” to find groups local to you. These groups often work both ways—if you’re in need of specific items, you can request them in the group.

5. Volunteer your time with Metro Caring

If you can help: Metro Caring, an anti-hunger organization that operates a no-cost, grocery-style market, relies on volunteers to sort food and stock shelves. Three hour shifts are available Sunday through Thursday and open to anyone 14 and older. To get started, fill out the online volunteer intake form and attend a volunteer orientation.

If you need help: To access food from the Fresh Foods Market, register online and make a shopping appointment. No documentation, ID, or proof of address is required. Most of the inventory is donated from individuals or local grocers, but Metro Caring does purchase some high-demand products from local farmers and ranchers.

6. Serve food at Mutual Aid Monday

If you can help: Mutual Aid Monday takes a simple approach to community care: Show up and pitch in. Every Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bannock Street and 14th Avenue (in front of Denver’s City and County Building), volunteers serve meals and distribute clothing. Show up with ready-to-serve food, seasonal clothing, or even just a willingness to help—no sign up or registration required. You can also drop off donations at one of 15 sites around Denver.

If you need help: Free meals and clothing are offered every Monday regardless of the weather, no documentation required.