Federal authorities have informed the administration of Governor Glenn Youngkin that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be deposited this week for more than 850,000 Virginians. In response to this notification, Virginia will pause the issuance of Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to comply with federal requirements.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed all states to begin a partial issuance of SNAP benefits, following guidance from the Trump Administration’s USDA. According to this directive, 65 percent of monthly SNAP benefits will be distributed this week, with processing expected to conclude by Thursday, November 13.
Governor Glenn Youngkin stated: “The Commonwealth launched VENA last week to ensure there was no interruption to food benefits for Virginians in need. Our top priority has been to ensure that every Virginian facing food insecurity knows that we are doing everything in our ability to provide food assistance. Now, based on federal guidance, we are committed to processing the federal SNAP benefits made available no later than Thursday. I want to thank our team at DSS and Health and Human Resources for their hard work and dedication.”
Virginia is providing 65% of the typical month’s SNAP benefits in November in addition to the 25% already issued earlier through VENA. This approach follows updated federal instructions and aims to support eligible households during this transitional period.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly commented: “This combined effort demonstrates Virginia’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of our neighbors while also protecting tax dollars for other worthy priorities. Thanks to Governor Youngkin and our hard-working team at the Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia led the nation in responding quickly to changing circumstances and delivering meaningful help to the most vulnerable Virginians.”
The funds being released reflect recent direction from USDA and ensure continued support for SNAP recipients during ongoing changes.
The Virginia Department of Social Services has emphasized its commitment to transparent communication and encourages those with questions about SNAP benefits or program updates to contact their local department or visit dss.virginia.gov for information.
In addition, Governor Youngkin recently introduced the Virginia Cares Initiative—a statewide food drive aimed at helping those affected by the federal government shutdown, including federal workers, military civilian workers, their families, and approximately 12,000 new SNAP-eligible Virginians who were unable to access assistance during the shutdown.
Community members can contribute by donating food or funds or volunteering through regional food banks across more than 1,000 pantries statewide. The state also allocated $1 million in funding for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks as part of these efforts.
Those interested in participating can find details on how to get involved with donations or volunteering opportunities through the Virginia Cares Initiative Sign-Up Page online.
