Virginia officials have stepped in to offer relief to families facing uncertainty over their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. With the ongoing federal government shutdown halting food assistance payments nationwide, the state has announced an emergency initiative to help cover the gap for low-income households.
Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed that Virginia will allocate temporary state funds to ensure that eligible residents can continue buying groceries while the federal impasse continues. The plan offers a short-term cushion for families who rely on SNAP, also known as food stamps, which supports millions of Americans in meeting basic nutrition needs. Here’s what’s known about the new measure.
Virginia’s plan to help families without SNAP payments
As the federal shutdown drags on, the White House has paused all SNAP payments until Congress reopens the government. That decision left roughly 42 million Americans—including over 850,000 Virginians—in limbo. To prevent widespread food insecurity, Governor Youngkin announced VENA and declared a state of emergency, calling the situation an “urgent threat” to food security for Virginia households.
Unlike the monthly structure of SNAP, VENA provides weekly payments to recipients. These payments began on November 3, 2025, and will continue weekly for as long as the shutdown lasts. Instead of a single lump-sum deposit, each week’s payment equals about 25% of a household’s regular monthly SNAP amount.
The funds are automatically loaded onto existing EBT cards, so recipients don’t have to reapply or complete additional forms. Payments follow each person’s usual SNAP distribution schedule—for instance, those who typically receive benefits on a Monday or Wednesday will see the same pattern continue with VENA.
In total, recipients will receive the equivalent of their full monthly benefit, but spread out across four weeks. This change aims to ensure a steady stream of food support rather than a single payout that could run out before federal benefits resume.
The initiative is funded by Virginia’s budget surplus, with around $145 million allocated for November alone. The state is using this as a temporary emergency measure until the federal government reopens and SNAP benefits return to normal.
What’s happening with SNAP across the U.S.
Virginia’s decision comes as millions of Americans face uncertainty over food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown. The federal SNAP program remains partially unfunded. Federal courts ordered limited use of contingency funds, but the White House later announced that no new SNAP payments would be made until the government reopens.
Several other states have declared food emergencies or are seeking ways to assist residents in similar situations. Some are increasing funding for food banks and local aid programs, but Virginia remains the first and only state so far to roll out a direct state-funded alternative to SNAP.
For families depending on these benefits, the delay has created significant stress. Many community organizations, including food banks and churches, have reported rising demand since early November. The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) advises residents to check their local offices or the state’s official DSS website for updates on benefit schedules and eligibility.