Virginia steps in as federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Millions of Americans could lose access to federal food benefits within days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Virginia, leaders are stepping in to ensure families don’t go hungry.
More than 850,000 Virginians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help pay for groceries. On Sunday, the USDA posted a notice on its website that benefits would not be sent out on November 1, as the ongoing federal government shutdown continues.
"Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance," the notice reads.
Last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency. According to ABC news, Youngkin said the state will use Virginia’s budget surplus to cover food assistance in the Commonwealth. The move is meant to ensure families who depend on SNAP aren’t left without support.
Experts, like Majesta-Doré Legnini, a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Justice Center, said the emergency order would also ease pressure on food banks and grocery stores.
"It’s going to impact everybody really at the end of the day," she said. "Folks might be missing meals, kids might be having trouble at school, grocery stores will be losing money and benefits and things."
For Virginians who want to help, several local organizations are accepting food donations, including RVA Community Fridges, the Chesterfield Food Bank and Feed More.
The federal shutdown has now stretched into its fourth week, leaving thousands of government workers without pay, and the future of programs like SNAP uncertain.
