It’s been more than 30 days since the federal government shutdown began, and the ripple effects are hitting home here in Western Colorado.

For many Western Slope residents, the pause in November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is a crisis. More than 20,000 people in Mesa County and 3,500 in Delta County rely on these monthly benefits to keep food on the table—about 10 percent of those are older adults. Food pantries throughout the region are already seeing record demand—up as much as 30% in some areas.

Local agencies are stepping up to provide emergency funds and connecting residents to resources, but they need your help. If you have the means, please consider donating to a local food pantry, dropping off pet food at a local animal shelter or volunteering your time at one of this month’s free Thanksgiving dinners.

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNERS

• Grand Junction: The Salvation Army will serve a full Thanksgiving feast from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for anyone who walks through its doors at 1235 N. 4th St. To donate a turkey or volunteer, call 970-242-7513.
• Montrose: Friendship Hall at the county fairgrounds, 1001 N. 2nd St., will be buzzing with volunteers plating meals from 12-3 p.m. and coordinating deliveries to those who can’t leave home. Delivery requests must be made by noon on Wednesday, November 26. Call 970-318-6759 to request delivery or volunteer. To donate, call or visit MontroseCommunityDinners.com.
• Hotchkiss: The senior center, 276 W. Main St., will fill with the smell of smoked turkey and sweet potatoes as neighbors share a meal and fellowship from 11 a.m. until the food runs out (usually 1-1:30 p.m.). Both diners and volunteers are encouraged to bring desserts or side dishes to share, though not required. Call 970-260-9628 for more information.

For a list of local food resources and ways to donate, visit BeaconSeniorNews.com/food-help

As we head into the holidays, I’m especially grateful for you, readers. From all of us at the BEACON, happy Thanksgiving.

WHAT DO SENIORS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?

If you’re stuck on what to give someone who seems to have everything, why not gift them a subscription to the BEACON—and get one for yourself too?

For a limited time, when you subscribe, you can gift a subscription to a friend. It’s the perfect way to share a publication that celebrates being cool at any age (and speaking of cool, click here for a fun story about a bucket-list gift.) For more details about this special 2-for-1 offer, call us at 970-243-8829.

GET IN THE BEACON GUIDE

A subscription to the BEACON also ensures you won’t miss any senior-related news or events, including the release of our 2026 BEACON Guide editions in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta counties.

Our annual directories feature hard-to-find contact information for clubs, medical centers, government agencies and more. We verify every listing each year, making it the area’s most trusted resource for seniors, their families and caregivers. 

Know of an organization that should be included? Email [email protected] or visit BeaconSeniorNews.com/wc-getin-the-guide to learn more.

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