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

Starting Saturday, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions are in jeopardy as the impacts of the weeks-long federal government shutdown expand.

Food banks in Colorado are preparing to respond to a sudden increase in need this weekend as federal food benefits pause due to the government shutdown. About 600,000 Coloradans receive money for groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,

Starting this weekend, more than 600,000 Coloradans who depend on SNAP benefits may be forced to turn to food banks to stay full. If they don't have the money to shop at grocery stores, there could be a much bigger impact for everyone in Colorado.

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

Colorado counters the federal shutdown's impact on food security by providing state funds to support SNAP beneficiaries, despite lack of federal reimbursement.

Hickenlooper added that during the shutdown, he will donate his pay to Food Bank of the Rockies. Those needing to find the nearest food bank or pantry can do so here. According to Colorado officials, 614,911 people rely on SNAP benefits. Of those, they said 50 percent are kids, 15 percent are disabled, and 10 percent are elderly.

More than 1 in 10 state residents are in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, whose benefits will end Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.