SHOPPERS are left wondering where to turn after a mass closure of grocery stores forces them to search elsewhere.
The closure of the grocery chain poses a threat to shoppers who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.
A popular grocery chain will shut 10 of its locations[/caption]
The closure will affect those who rely on SNAP benefits[/caption]
Safeway said the closures are for the future of the company[/caption]
Safeway, a popular grocery chain, will close at least 10 locations in Colorado by November, according to NBC affiliate KOAA.
“The closure of multiple Safeway stores across Colorado will be devastating for rural and low-income communities. Across the state, residents now have more limited grocery choices and fewer job opportunities,” Democratic Colorado Governor Michael Bennet posted on Facebook.
“At a time when families are already struggling to put food on the table due to rising prices, this is the last thing Colorado communities need.”
The grocery store has become a vital part of residents’ lives in Colorado Springs, and its closure is causing panic among SNAP-reliant shoppers.
Resident Diana Stevens told KOAA that the store’s closing will majorly disrupt her routine.
“I don’t have a car, so I need places I can get to quick and easy,” Stevens said.
Stevens, who relies on an electric wheelchair, said the Safeway’s location in Colorado Springs allows her to use both her bus pass and SNAP card.
At other grocery chains like Walmart, Stevens reported having a harder time using the card.
Stevens said that when she orders from Walmart, she’s met with higher delivery prices.
“I’ve already tried ordering from Walmart again, and they keep saying they can’t take my food stamp card, or they have a problem, or they want to charge me an arm and a leg to get my groceries,” she said.
Once Safeway closes, the nearest grocery store is King Snoopers, a 25-minute walk away.
Alternatively, shoppers can walk to Walmart, which is approximately an hour and 14 minutes away.
Not only will the change affect SNAP users, but also those who walk or use public transit to grocery shop.
A Safeway spokesperson told KOAA that these closures were apart of a broader strategy for the company.
November 2025 Safeway Closures
- 201 E. Jefferson, Englewood, Colorado 80113
- 500 E. 120th Ave, Northglenn, Colorado 80233
- 1653 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80222
- 12200 E. Mississippi, Aurora, Colorado 80012
- 3657 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
- 860 Cleveland Ave., Loveland, Colorado 80537
- 5060 North Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
- 1425 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
- 315 W. 2nd St., La Junta, Colorado 81050
- 906 E. Olive St., Lamar, Colorado 81052
- 230 Morehead Street, Chadron, Nebraska 69337
- 730 W. Main St., Farmington, New Mexico 87401
Credit: CBS News
“Occasionally, after long and careful deliberation, it becomes necessary to make the difficult decision to close certain locations,” the spokesperson said.
Silver Key Senior Services has partnered with Safeway to address the needs of seniors in the area.
The service is located right across the street from the grocery store and has collaborated with the store to support its food pantry, which serves 12,000 seniors annually.
Safeway would give shoppers the option to participate in its Round Up program, which would donate money back to Silver Key Senior Services.
“When people do the Round Up at that store directly, that resource comes right back into our organization to be able to help those that don’t have the resources to make ends meet,” Jason DeaBueno, CEO of Silver Key Services, said.
DeaBueno said seniors must have a grocery store they can walk to.
“In this case, it’s critical for people to stay connected,” he said.
“When you’ve got walkability and you can connect with others, even if it’s just walking to the store together, it addresses isolation and loneliness.”
