Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday, Oct. 28 that a state initiative will provide emergency food assistance in November while benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are disrupted due to the federal government shutdown.
Information about the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative is provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services:
- VENA will be available if the government shutdown is still in effect Nov. 1
- VENA will use existing SNAP/EBT cards
- Those who received SNAP benefits in October will be eligible for VENA
- Benefits will be issued weekly, rather than monthly, and portioned. That means a household would receive $50 each week, instead of $200 for a full month.
- Those who usually receive benefits on the first day of the month will receive benefits beginning Monday, Nov. 3. Monday will be their issuance day for VENA.
- Those who usually receive benefits on the fourth day of the month will receive benefits beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5. Wednesday will be their issuance day for VENA.
- Those who usually receive benefits on the seventh day of the month will receive benefits beginning Friday, Nov. 7. Friday will be their issuance day for VENA.
Due to expected delays and gaps in accessing benefits, Henrico County is collaborating with neighboring localities and Feed More, central Virginia’s nonprofit food bank, to ensure that the community’s nutritional needs are met. About 116,000 individuals in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and the city of Richmond typically qualify for SNAP.
If you need food assistance, consult Feed More’s agency locator to find the food pantry closest to you.
If you can contribute, make a monetary donation to Feed More. Henrico has provided $100,000 to increase its annual contribution to Feed More.
If you are interested in volunteering, the region and Feed More will be partnering with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond to ensure food assistance is available for everyone who needs it. Volunteer opportunities will be shared as soon as possible.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.