FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PPSC and Canvas Credit Union Strengthen Student Support Network as Food Pantry Visits Double Amid SNAP Disruptions
Colorado Springs, CO — November 13, 2025 — While the federal government shutdown disrupted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across Colorado, Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) reports a sharp rise in the number of students and families relying on its food pantry.

Between August and September, visits to PPSC’s on-campus food pantry and mobile food markets nearly doubled—from 3,750 visitors in August to 6,646 in September. In October alone, 5,478 individuals accessed the Canvas Community Food Pantry and Mobile Food Markets across PPSC campuses. The surge reflects the local impact of a national crisis: with federal funding frozen, SNAP benefits have been delayed or suspended for more than 600,000 Coloradans statewide (Colorado Department of Human Services, 2025).

State officials estimate that Colorado families are missing out on roughly $120 million in monthly SNAP benefits due to the shutdown (Denver7 News, 2025). In El Paso County, approximately 78,000 residents rely on SNAP assistance each month (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2022). The result has been mounting demand on local food banks and college-based food pantries alike (The Colorado Sun, 2025). At PPSC, the Canvas Credit Union Food Pantry, funded through a 2024 partnership is a vital lifeline for students facing food insecurity.

“The Canvas Community Food Pantry and mobile food markets at PPSC represent what community partnership is all about; coming together to make sure students and families have what they need, especially in challenging times,” says Steve Ferrero, Chief Community Engagement Officer at Canvas Credit Union. “Canvas Credit Union is proud to stand alongside PPSC in supporting students’ well-being and helping them stay focused on their education.”

The Mobile Food Markets are sponsored by Care and Share, the Colorado Springs Health Foundation and the Canvas Credit Union Grant. All three sponsors are vital partners that help PPSC meet students’ essential needs. Resources at the food pantries are distributed throughout the year, and all pantry locations are open Monday through Friday. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to visit during the week. The Mobile Food Markets occur three times each in the Fall and Spring semesters at both the Centennial and Rampart campuses.

In addition, PPSC has received a $15,000 grant from the El Pomar Foundation to support the food pantry’s growing operations and meet the rising demand for student food assistance.

“Before a student can succeed in the classroom, their basic needs must be met,” says Kandy Ruiz, Program Director of Single Stop Services at PPSC. “When students don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or how to pay for essentials, they can focus on learning, building skills and preparing for their future. Through partnerships like ours with we’re meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with confidence.”

The Mobile Food Markets will take place on Monday, November 17 at PPSC’s Centennial Campus (5675 S Academy Blvd) and Tuesday, November 18 at Rampart Range (2070 Interquest Pkwy). Fresh groceries are available to all PPSC students, staff and faculty with a current PPSC ID. 

About Canvas Credit Union
Canvas Credit Union is a safe and insured financial institution with over $4.5 billion in assets and more than 300,000 members. Canvas provides a full array of financial products and services, including savings, checking, loans, mortgages, and online and mobile banking options. Serving Colorado communities for more than 85 years, Canvas currently has 35 branches and is well recognized for its people, its heart, and its commitment to community.

About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and four bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.

Media Contact:
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA
Content Coordinator in Marketing and Communications at Pikes Peak State College
Mobile: 719-715-3297
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu
Pronouns: she/her

Sources:
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) – “SNAP Benefits and Federal Shutdown Update,” November 2025
Hunger Free Colorado – Colorado SNAP Participation and Economic Impact Report, 2024
Denver7 News – “SNAP Benefits on Hold for November in Colorado Due to Government Shutdown,” Oct. 2025
Colorado Sun – “Colorado Legislature Approves $10 Million Emergency Funds to Bolster Food Banks as SNAP Benefits Dry Up,” Oct. 2025
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED) – SNAP Recipients, El Paso County, CO, 2022 data