Denver spends another $800,000 on migrant food

Photo bySyd WachsonUnsplash

A Denver City Council committee approved Wednesday spending more than $800,000 for food for migrants enrolled in the Denver Asylum Seekers Program, or DASP.

The contract spans through July of 2025. About 800 people participate in the asylum seekers program, where migrants learn job skills, get legal help, and receive six months free rent. They also are provided food.

The contract with Village Exchange requires that food be delivered to migrants who are unable to make it to drop-off sites. Food must be distributed at least twice a month, the contract states. A wide variety of food must be offered.

“These services will help newcomers find stability as they adjust to a new life in the United States,” according to a memo from city staff to the committee.

Most migrants don’t get food stamps

Contrary to widespread belief, most migrants do not qualify for food stamps and even fewer apply. “The USDA has never extended SNAP eligibility to undocumented non-citizens—but other lawfully present non-citizens may qualify,” according to the National Council on Aging website. “Confusion over the two means that historically, SNAP participation among eligible non-citizen households is low.^”

At one time Denver was buying three meals per day for migrants who were staying in hotel shelters. In 2023, the city spent almost $4 million on migrant meals.

The city chose the food vendors based on a competitive bid process. Previously, Denver spent $3.4 million with La Machaca to provide food for the migrants from December 2022 until May 31 2023.