Everyone has the right to healthy, affordable food and we want to make sure you get it. We can help you apply for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and connect you to other food resources in our community, like free summer meals for kids, food pantries, and area farmers markets.
Qualifying for SNAP can be complicated, but our trained, caring staff here here to support you. To qualify for SNAP as a student, you must meet the general SNAP eligibility guidelines, and meet any of the following:
- Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education
- Age 18 through 49
- Meets one of these student exemptions:*
- Employed an average of 20 hours per week/80 hours per month
- A single parent enrolled full time with responsibility for the care of a dependent child under age 12
- Eligible for a state or federally financed work-study program (even if you currently do not have a work-study job on campus)
- Receiving Colorado Works (TANF cash grant)
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a dependent household member under the age of 6
- Participation in Colorado’s Employment First Program
- Responsible for more than half of the physical care of a dependent household member who is at age of 6 but is under the age of 12 where adequate child care is not available
- Participating in an on-the-job training program while going to the institution of higher education
- Be physically or mentally unfit (similar to general work requirements)
- Students who have an expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0
*A student enrolled less than half time in an institution of higher education, does not need to meet the additional student exemptions.
The information above is provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services and is subject to change.
You can apply for SNAP, as well as cash assistance (Colorado Works/TANF), and child care assistance, health care coverage, and more online through Colorado PEAK. Please note that Denver Human Services does not maintain Colorado PEAK; it is operated by the State of Colorado. You will be taken outside of the Denver Human Services portal when you click the link below to apply online.
Apply for Benefits with Colorado PEAK
There's More
SNAP benefits can go a long way to keeping your nourished and healthy but sometimes they're not enough. Find a map of local food pantries, information about some of our strongest food access partners, and more ways to access fresh, nutritious food locally at our Food Assistance page.
Find more Food Assistance