The federal government shutdown officially ended Wednesday, though November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are still being distributed in Colorado.

State officials said federal food aid is on its way to nearly 600,000 residents who rely on the assistance program, and Colorado will move rapidly to deliver 100% of the benefits, according to an announcement from the Polis administration.

Facing a significant increase in food insecurity, local food banks and pantries are asking for help with monetary and food donations.

“Every donation matters and all of the help is appreciated,” Carl Esquivel of the Salvation Army Aurora Corps told The Denver Gazette.

But, he said, monetary donations are the most helpful because they allow the Salvation Army team to buy fresher foods and fill the gaps.

Food banks can buy wholesale food cheaper, making monetary donations stretch further than food donations.

However, “even a can of corn goes a long way,” Esquivel said.

Barbara Moore, founder of Jeffco Eats, said there are some foods the pantries cannot get enough of, such as mac and cheese and snacks for children.

“We need people that want to become hunger heroes. One for me and one for you. When you go shopping, you buy one for yourself and one for somebody else. These families are really hurting,” she said.

Officials at both the Salvation Army and Jeffco Eats said their biggest cost is providing protein, and they are always looking for more of it. This can come in the form of peanut butter, beans, canned meats like tuna or even frozen meats.

The Salvation Army also gives out things like baby formula and diapers and accepts donations of those things as well, Esquivel said.

“In the midst of hopelessness and despair, it can look bleak, but helping neighbors really creates an impact,” he said.

Donors can check a specific pantry’s website or social media to see exactly what it needs — whether that be money, food or other goods.

Here are links for information on Denver area food banks:

• Arapahoeco.gov

• Adamscountyco.gov

• jeffco.us.

• Denvergov.org

• Foodbankrockies.org

• Aurora.salvationarmy.org

• Jeffcoeats.org