GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) - In going from single mom struggling to make ends meet, to becoming Western Slope director of Grand Junction's Food Bank of the Rockies, Sue Ellen uniquely understands the fear that thousands of Mesa County families are facing come November, when the government shutdown threatens to suspend SNAP food programs nationwide.

"SNAP is a critical food assistance program," says Ellen, "and to give a picture of that reality: for every meal that a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine meals. So that's a huge impact." One in eight people experience food insecurity on the Western Slope, the highest level in over ten years, experts say. Due to the shutdown, Mesa County and the state of Colorado will not have the authority to release federal funds for SNAP benefits start

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