The press release from the Virginia Department of Social Services regarding the state of emergency in Virginia regarding Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is below. Please click here for frequently asked questions and more information as to how funds will be distributed while the government shutdown is ongoing.
October 29, 2025: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency allowing the use of state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025. Under VENA, 25% of a customer’s monthly benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, so that in the event the shutdown ends sometime during November, normal distributions from the federal government will resume. Starting Monday, November 3, the following will take effect for SNAP customers:
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.
Virginia is the first state in the nation to use state funds to deliver food assistance to SNAP customers. The state of emergency allows the Governor to use these funds to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians.
We recognize the serious impact this government shutdown has had on Virginians who rely on this program. This incredibly challenging time could most rapidly be resolved by the U.S. Senate voting for the continuing resolution that has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
We encourage Virginians who are concerned by the government shutdown to contact Virginia’s Senators Mark Warner at (202) 224-2023 and Tim Kaine at (202) 224-4024.
We will continue to share updates as information becomes available and remain committed to supporting Virginians.
