Amid the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, a significant portion of the workforce is grappling with economic challenges that compel them to rely on government assistance for basic needs. In October 2025 alone, over 600,000 workers in Colorado turned to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to combat hunger, showcasing a critical reliance on this federal program designed to aid low-income individuals and families.
Notably, this dependence extends to employees of major corporations, with 2,300 Amazon workers and more than 1,000 King Soopers employees utilizing SNAP benefits. The trend also includes local entities, such as Denver Public Schools, where close to 600 staff members are beneficiaries, according to information from the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Scott Pribble, Denver Public Schools’ director of external communications, remarked in an email to The Conversation, “The findings are a sobering reflection of the economic pressures facing Denver Public Schools staff and K-12 educators everywhere.” Despite offering competitive compensation, including a minimum hourly wage of $20, Pribble emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve wages further.
However, data limitations prevent a full understanding of the employment status of SNAP recipients, as it does not differentiate between part-time and full-time work. Yet, it’s evident that full-time workers earning near the state minimum wage often qualify for assistance due to insufficient earnings.
As a researcher in social work, I analyze policies that aid working families, focusing on areas such as paid family and medical leave, universal basic income, and childcare subsidies.
A National Dilemma Intensified in Colorado
Nationwide, over 16 million workers turn to programs like SNAP to bridge the gap between wages and living costs. The U.S. Government Accountability Office noted in a 2020 report that the majority of SNAP beneficiaries are employed full-time for most of the year. Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that, in 2024, over 254,000 Colorado workers were SNAP recipients, averaging 35 work hours per week at approximately $17.70 per hour.
The gap between wages and living costs is stark, with even full-time minimum wage workers often qualifying for SNAP. A single adult without dependents, working 40 hours weekly at the state minimum wage of $15.16, may qualify for SNAP benefits if they miss just 14 work hours annually. Despite legally mandated paid sick leave, the lack of paid vacation time can reduce a worker’s annual income enough to qualify them for SNAP.
For households with dependents, the income threshold for SNAP eligibility is higher, reflecting the increased financial demands on larger families. The state’s minimum wage fails to cover essential living costs, leaving many full-time workers dependent on assistance.
Companies like Amazon cite federal minimum wage standards as a contributing factor to the issue, with spokesperson Eileen Hards stating, “Amazon pay is among the best in the industry – well over double the federal minimum wage and significantly more than other retailers.” She advocates for a substantial increase in the federal minimum wage to better support American families.
Even if the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, were doubled, many full-time workers in states like Colorado would remain SNAP-eligible in 28 states.
The Rising Cost of Living in Colorado
A decade ago, Colorado voters opted to raise the state’s minimum wage, linking it to the cost of living. The 2016 initiative set a $12 per hour starting point in 2020, with annual increases to match inflation. By 2026, it reached $15.16. Some cities, like Denver and Boulder, have set higher minimum wages at $19.29 and $16.82, respectively.
Employers, including Amazon and Kroger, which operates King Soopers, offer wages above the state’s minimum. Kroger’s head of corporate affairs, Jessica Trowbridge, highlighted their average hourly wage of $24.58, increasing to $32 with benefits. She added, “Our associates also have an average tenure of 16 years, reflecting the meaningful, long-term career opportunities we strive to provide.”
Despite these efforts, Colorado’s cost of living outpaces the U.S. average. The Living Wage project at MIT estimates a single adult needs $26 per hour for basic needs, while a family of four requires $34.04 per hour per worker. The state’s median wage, however, is just $23.77 per hour.
This disparity impacts not only households but also state budgets, as legislative changes to SNAP, implemented in 2025, shift financial burdens to states, costing Colorado an additional $178 million by 2027.
The broad eligibility for SNAP underscores a systemic issue: Workers’ wages are inadequate for essentials like housing, food, and childcare. With childcare costs reaching $1,645 per month in some Colorado counties, even full-time workers at minimum wage face significant financial challenges.
Colorado, and the nation as a whole, confronts a wage crisis. As costs rise, even states with progressive wage policies find households struggling to escape poverty. Policymakers are tasked with determining whether raising the minimum wage, holding employers accountable, or exploring alternative policy solutions is the key to bridging the gap between income and living costs.
The urgency of these questions grows as Americans face rising prices at gas stations and grocery stores.
Read more of our stories about Colorado.
