COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -As families across southern Colorado felt the effects of the recent government shutdown, several local businesses stepped in to help bridge the gap while SNAP benefits were temporarily paused.

Ranch Foods Direct, a longtime Colorado Springs meat market, says it provided free ground beef to anyone who asked. Owner Mike Callicrate estimates roughly 1,000 people came through the doors during the shutdown.

“It was rewarding to be able to help folks and to see how grateful they really are. It’s hard to believe we’ve got this many people who are struggling,” said Callicrate.

Callicrate said many of the first people seeking help were SNAP recipients, but others included federal employees, USDA inspectors and families who missed paychecks as the shutdown stretche

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