With the federal government shut down, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it lacks sufficient funding to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through November. The news has left states scrambling, as millions of Americans face the risk of losing a portion of their food budget next month.
In Virginia, the Department of Social Services warned that benefits could lapse if the shutdown is not resolved by October 28. However, Governor Glenn Youngkin stepped in, pledging that he would not allow that to happen.
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Virginia has more than 850,000 SNAP recipients, including an estimated 320,000 children.
On October 23, Youngkin declared a state of emergency directing state agencies to temporarily replace federal SNAP benefits for eligible Virginians until appropriations are restored. “The Commonwealth will ensure that Virginians in need do not go hungry,” Youngkin stated.
According to the Governor’s executive order, emergency relief will follow existing SNAP guidelines, ensuring recipients receive the full amount they’re entitled to. The order also specifies that federal eligibility rules will apply, including the prohibition on disbursing benefits to undocumented immigrants.
“My constitutional and statutory duties compel me to act to prevent substantial harm to Virginians in need as a result of this emergency,” Youngkin said.
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