EDITOR’S NOTE (Oct. 28, 2025, 2:30 PM): Since this post was originally published, Governor Youngkin held a press conference announcing a plan for the delivery of emergency food benefits to Virginia’s SNAP beneficiaries. Readers should note that this statement has been updated to reflect the state’s evolving response.
No Kid Hungry Virginia Statement: With Virginia dedicating $145 million to fund SNAP in November, USDA and Congress must act now
RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 28, 2025) – Virginia is pledging to continue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, which will not be distributed by the USDA in November despite a SNAP contingency fund with an estimated $5-6 billion in reserves available.
Over 800,000 Virginians rely on SNAP. The commonwealth will provide approximately $145 million to SNAP recipients through the new Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) Effort on a staggered benefit distribution schedule on Nov. 3, 5 and 7. Recipients will receive 25% of their SNAP benefit weekly throughout November.
There is no indication that Virginia’s funds will be reimbursed by the federal government when the government reopens.
No Kid Hungry Virginia state director Sarah Steely shared the following statement urging federal leaders to keep food aid flowing to families:
“This is good news for Virginia, but the USDA still needs to release its funds now so all states can access the November SNAP funding. A child’s zip code should not determine whether they face hunger.
Virginia is investing considerable resources and investing millions of dollars to keep SNAP benefits flowing to local families while the USDA could utilize contingency funds to solve this crisis today. While it’s a relief that Virginia will cover SNAP benefits next month, it’s a short-lived, unsustainable and expensive solution. USDA has the funds and the authority and must act immediately to release funding.
This is a crisis everyone should be watching and paying attention to. More of our nutrition programs will be at risk if this shutdown continues. As the shutdown heads into a second month, it’s critical Congress comes up with a bipartisan solution to reopen the government that fully funds all federal nutrition programs.”
Share Our Strength CEO Anne Filipic also released a statement calling on the USDA to act immediately.
No Kid Hungry Virginia also released the following recommendations for families worried about upcoming SNAP benefits:
- Families can use any leftover SNAP benefits from October during November.
- The Virginia Fresh Match program allows people to double the value of SNAP benefits spent on fruits and vegetables. Find participating retailers here.
- Find your nearest food pantry by visiting www.vafoodbanks.org.
- To get help with other household needs in Virginia, visit 2-1-1 or text CONNECT to 247211.
- While the Virginia Department of Social Services is still enrolling people in SNAP and other assistance programs during the government shutdown, new SNAP application approvals are not included in the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) Effort.
- For households with children, remember that school meals are a low- or no-cost way to stretch your budget and connect kids with the nutrition that they need. For more information, visit your school website or contact your division’s school nutrition director here.
