Youngkin announces statewide food drive to aid Virginians affected by government shutdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and growing concerns about food assistance, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a statewide food drive to support Virginians.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Youngkin introduced the “Virginia CARES Initiative," a program designed to provide food assistance and ensure no additional Virginians go hungry.

The initiative specifically supports those not covered under the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program, including federal workers, military civilian workers and their families, and newly eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients ahead of Thanksgiving.

The campaign is partnering with seven regional food banks including Feed More to distribute assistance.

“Virginia is the first state in the nation providing direct nutritional assistance to SNAP recipients during this shutdown,” Youngkin said. “But we know there are still thousands of families, including federal workers and newly eligible Virginians, who are struggling to make ends meet as the Democrat Shutdown continues. The Virginia Cares Initiative ensures that our communities can step forward to bridge that gap, especially as we approach Thanksgiving.”

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This news comes after the governor distributed an additional $1 million in funds to support the Commonwealth’s food banks.

“With many Virginians feeling the strain of the federal shutdown, we’re stepping up once again to make sure no Virginian goes hungry,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Through the Virginia Cares Initiative, we’re coming together as neighbors to support working families, civilians who support our service branches, and public servants across the Commonwealth.” 

According to the governor's office, Virginians can go to the Virginia Cares Initiative sign-up page to learn more and donate food and funds to the state's regional food banks. There Virginians can see a list of high-demand food items, drop-off locations and open hours.

For more information on the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program, click here.