Youngkin calls on Virginians to support food banks in new initiative
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- While the state has stepped in to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this November through Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), there's even more Virginians who are struggling, yet don't qualify for benefits.
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks estimates 40% of food-insecure families don't qualify for benefits. Instead, many turn to food banks to make ends meet.
With the government shutdown putting even more stress on Virginians' wallets, those food banks are seeing a higher demand than ever before.
"We see a lot of those pantries really running out of food in ways that they wouldn't normally," said the Federation's executive director, Eddie Oliver.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin's latest Virginia Cares Initiative is asking individuals to make up the difference by donating time, food and funds to their regional food banks.
A press release from the Governor's office stated that the initiative will provide food assistance to those not covered under the VENA program -- including federal employees, Virginians who support the military who are awaiting pay and approximately 12,000 Virginians who are newly eligible for SNAP benefits, but can't access them due to the shutdown.
"People are stretching their budgets to pay for hospital bills and car payments, so there's usually more month left than there is money," Oliver said.
Under the initiative, Virginians can sign up to support their regional food bank. They will receive a list of high-demand food items, drop-off locations and operating hours.
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"This initiative is really just a call for anyone who is in a position to lend some additional support, by way of monetary donations, food donations," Oliver said. "Volunteer to connect with your local food bank and support them in any way you can."
The Commonwealth's food banks also received a $1 million grant from the governor last week. Oliver says the support is coming at a time of unprecedented ned.
"They have bare shelves at the end of distributions that they really have to work hard to replenish in time for their next distribution," Oliver said. "So we are really stretching our resources every way we can to help meet the need."
You can learn more about the Virginia Cares Initiative and sign up to help here.
