Central Virginia leaders unite to support food banks as SNAP lapses

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Central Virginia leaders are coming together to invest hundreds of dollars in regional food banks to help residents cope with the government shutdown's impacts on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Due to the prolonged government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be federally funded for November.

To help make up the difference and keep Central Virginians fed, the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico are making a more than $200,000 donation to Feed More, a local nonprofit.

"Feed More is leveraging these funds to source more food, expand distribution capabilities within its existing network of pantry partners and provide supplementary resources in areas of outsized need," officials said in an Oct. 29 press release.

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More information on these expanded distribution efforts will be released "in the coming days."

"I’m so proud to be part of a region that shows up for one another,” said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in the release. “When challenges like this arise, we come together to make sure every family has food on the table. I’m deeply grateful to Feed More for stepping up for our neighbors when it matters most.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin previously announced a plan to temporarily support the SNAP program at the state level. This also included a $1 million investment into Virginia's food banks.

If you'd like to get involved with supporting the region during this difficult time, you can donate your money, spare food or time to Feed More. You can learn more about how to do any and all of those things here.

More details on how to volunteer with the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond will be released soon.