A panel of Colorado legislators on Thursday approved a $10 million cash infusion into food assistance for residents who are expected to lose food stamp benefits starting on Saturday amid the federal government shutdown.

The Democratic officials contend the administration is legally required to keep benefits going as long as it has funding.

The Colorado Joint Budget Committee on Thursday approved two emergency requests — including up to $10 million to support food banks and pantries — aimed at aiding recipients of federal benefits during the federal government shutdown.

COLORADO - Over 600,000 Coloradans rely on SNAP benefits - money loaded by the government onto EBT cards - to buy food and groceries, but those benefits

Governor Polis acts to protect SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown, seeking to prevent hunger in Colorado.

The scoreboard tells the ultimate story, with Arizona’s 52-17 win at Colorado on Saturday all that really matters. Yet from an overall grading standpoint, the Wildcats’ first road victory in more than a year wasn’t as outstanding as it may have seemed.

Open enrollment season kicks off in just a couple of days. SNAP benefits are set to run out at the same time on Nov. 1.

Nonprofits across Colorado are bracing for what's to come as food insecurity reaches one of its highest levels this century.