**Denver Woman Turns Backyard into Emergency Food Pantry Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty**
DENVER — A Denver woman transformed her backyard into an emergency food pantry on Halloween, hoping to address food insecurity in her northwest Denver neighborhood while federal food assistance remains uncertain.
Joanna Rosa-Saenz organized the grassroots food drive after hearing about the struggles many families face in her community. “We live in America. We shouldn’t be hungry, we shouldn’t be hungry,” said Rosa-Saenz. “And I don’t want anyone on my block to be hungry.”
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### Federal Judges Block Suspension of SNAP Benefits
Federal judges ruled on Friday in two separate cases that the Trump administration cannot suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown.
In Massachusetts, the ruling came after about two dozen states sued the federal government. The states argued that the Agriculture Department’s plan to halt all SNAP payments starting November 1 would unlawfully cut off aid to millions of low-income families.
The Agriculture Department had contended it could not legally access contingency funds to keep the program running. However, the judge disagreed and ordered the agency to report back by Monday on how it will fund benefits. Payments could still be temporarily reduced depending on available funds.
Around the same time, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a similar ruling. That case, brought by cities and nonprofit groups, found that the administration must use available funds to continue providing SNAP benefits.
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### Administration Response and Ongoing Uncertainty
President Donald Trump indicated his administration would comply with the rulings but accused the courts of issuing conflicting opinions and is seeking more clarity on how SNAP should be funded.
Despite the court decisions, it remains unclear when and how much assistance will be distributed for the month of November.
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### Community Steps Up: Local Food Drive Collects Hundreds of Pounds of Donations
With the need still pressing, Rosa-Saenz opened her backyard to the public on Friday afternoon, inviting community members to drop off canned goods while trick-or-treating.
The emergency food pantry now holds essential items such as canned and dry goods, personal hygiene products, and baby items.
Rosa-Saenz, a single mother of three and former SNAP recipient, shared her personal experience with food insecurity. “I remember having to stand in line for a food box, things like that,” she told Denver7.
To launch the food drive, Rosa-Saenz reached out for assistance. Several local nonprofits joined the effort, including Outer Haven, which works to reduce youth inequities. Executive Director Lacy McDonald expressed enthusiasm about the community collaboration, saying, “One phone call can turn into this. And this is just a little snippet, so think what we could do together as a whole city.”
Before trick-or-treating began Friday night, more than 900 pounds of food had already been collected for the backyard pantry.
“That’s what community is,” Rosa-Saenz said. “Community is stepping up, working together and really making unity in the community.”
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### How to Donate
If you would like to contribute to the food drive, donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
– **4229 Irving St., Denver**
Open from November 1 through November 10
Donations accepted daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
– **5123 Chase St., Denver**
Open from October 31 through November 2
Please place donations at the end of the driveway.
– **Moonflower Coffee, 4200 W Colfax Ave., Denver**
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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### Most Needed Items
The food pantry currently needs:
– Canned goods
– Dry goods (pasta, rice, beans)
– Personal hygiene products
– Baby items
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Scripps News Group contributed to this report. Together, the community is making a difference—one donation at a time.
https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/denver/denver-mom-opens-backyard-for-halloween-food-drive-amid-snap-benefit-uncertainty
