Could you make it through the month without a paycheck? Without two?

It’s a hypothetical for many but now a sudden reality for thousands of Coloradans. Federal employees, contractors, and civil servants faced the uncertainty of a prolonged government shutdown. And thousands more dealt with, and still are dealing with, the unexpected loss of food assistance through SNAP.

Thankfully, an agreement to fund the government happened this week, a welcome relief for thousands of Coloradans. But the impacts of missed paychecks and delayed assistance linger, and for many families, recovery will take weeks or longer.

For some, this challenge means choosing between groceries and gas. For others, it’s the stress of juggling bills and wondering how long they can hold on.

It’s a stark reminder: food insecurity isn’t just about hunger. It’s about dignity, stability, and the ability to care for those you love.

In response, communities across Colorado are showing up. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Organizations are stepping in. And a coalition of 12 credit unions has come together to support Colorado food banks and pantries with a combined donation of $220,000.

These gifts are above and beyond the regular support that credit unions provide to fight food insecurity, and the funds are already at work stocking shelves and feeding families as food banks rise to meet the urgent demand.

While our logos differ, our values align. And we share a powerful last name: credit union.

A name that has long represented a cooperative mindset that is essential to our structure and guides our actions, in times of crisis and in everyday service to our members. This combined effort also reflects a shared belief in putting people first. That helping isn’t about profit. It’s about doing what’s right. In times of need, yes, but also every day.

And the need is real.

“I’ve lost more than half my income for the month of October,” shared one Colorado woman and local credit union member. “I’m a single woman who just got divorced this year, and I’m trying to keep my home while being on furlough. This support is a lifeline, helping me hold on while everything else feels uncertain.”

In Southern Colorado, the scale is staggering.

“This is going to be the hardest month I’ve seen in four years,” said Nate Springer, President and CEO of Care and Share Food Bank. “We’re seeing 183,000 people in our service area impacted by SNAP delays, including thousands of kids, seniors, and people with disabilities. And 19,000 civilian government workers are about to miss their third paycheck. We have to show up.”

Credit unions are proud to be part of that response, but we also know we don’t bear this burden alone. Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are stepping up. And we hope more will join. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, every act of support strengthens our communities.

Because resilience isn’t built by institutions alone. It’s built by people. And when we show up for each other, we protect not just individual lives, but the economic and social fabric of our communities.

If you’re able, consider supporting your local food bank today. In moments like these, especially, our shared humanity is our greatest strength. Shutdown or not, the need isn’t going away this holiday season, and we know the huge impact a collective effort can have.

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Participating credit unions include: Bellco Credit Union (Greenwood Village), Canvas Credit Union (Lone Tree), Credit Union of Denver (Lakewood), Elevations Credit Union (Boulder), Ent Credit Union (Colorado Springs), Meritrust Credit Union (Wichita, Kan.), Minnequa Works Credit Union (Pueblo), Northern Colorado Credit Union (Greeley), Red Rocks Credit Union (Littleton), Yuma County Credit Union (Yuma), and Zing Credit Union (Denver)