A proposed federal rule could end food assistance for about 33,000 people in Colorado, including 11,000 children.

The potential regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture could terminate free or reduced-price lunches and lower the food stamp earnings limit by thousands of dollars.

Colorado residents earning less than twice the poverty line are currently eligible for food assistance and free school lunches.

The USDA proposal would limit the assistance to those at 130% of the poverty line.

Experts say the minimum wage needed to live comfortably in Denver is about $29 an hour, but some families making less would still not qualify for assistance.

Officials say the rule would make it difficult for families to build a financial cushion and end reliance on assistance programs.

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