2 essential Hanover services to continue in November despite government shutdown

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Two essential, federally funded programs offered in Hanover County will continue in November despite the ongoing government shutdown.

Since Oct. 1, the federal government has been shut down due to failed budget talks. As a result, numerous federal workers have either been laid off or furloughed and important federal services have been paused.

On Thursday, October 30, Hanover County assured its residents that two of its federally funded services will continue to be offered in November despite the shutdown, as they will be funded through alternative means.

One of those services is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps lower-income Americans purchase food for their families. On Nov. 1, the federal government will not pay out any SNAP benefits.

RELATED: Central Virginia leaders unite to support food banks as SNAP lapses

Gov. Glenn Youngkin reacted to the threat to SNAP by declaring a state of emergency in Virginia and deploying a plan to temporarily fund the program at the state level.

Through the new Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), all Virginians who are enrolled in SNAP will receive weekly benefit payments from the state for the time being.

For those in Hanover, residents who need additional help can contact Virginia 211 or visit any of the county's food pantries.

The second service, Hanover DASH, provides transportation to older adults and those with disabilities. The county will continue to fund this program through November.

MORE: Nearly 600 Head Start students, about 70 teachers to be impacted amid government shutdown

Until full funding resumes, Hanover officials ask that those who use DASH try to limit trips to only essential needs like medical appointments and work.

“Hanover Social Services is working closely with other County departments and community partners to identify food resources should [SNAP] benefits be delayed or discontinued in December,” said Hanover's Social Services director Daricka Jones in a county press release.

However, Hanover DASH will be suspended beginning Dec. 1 if the federal shutdown is not lifted.

“We continue to actively monitor the situation,” said county administrator John A. Budesky in the release. “Should service be interrupted, our goal is to restart DASH services as soon as possible once federal funding is restored.”

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If you have any questions about the Hanover DASH service, you can call 804-365-3274 or visit its website.

For more of 8News' coverage on the ongoing government shutdown, click here.