Update Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Outlines Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) Effort
VENA will address food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown & additional $1M to Virginia Food Banks
Governor Glenn Youngkin outlined the parameters of the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative, a commonwealth-supported food assistance effort established by executive order 54 under a state of emergency declared by the governor due to the federal government shutdown. In addition, the governor announced an additional $1 million of state funds would be provided to Virginia food banks in order to offset any temporary disruption as VENA launches at the beginning of November.
Virginia’s robust job growth and record business investment have delivered significant budget surpluses that enable the commonwealth to replace SNAP benefits with this parallel system and avoid major interruptions to these essential services.
Virginia has recently taken several significant measures to address SNAP integrity. VENA recipients are required to meet the same eligibility standards that apply to SNAP recipients. For more information about VENA, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) website at: dss.virginia.gov/snapfacts where updates and detailed guidance on VENA will be posted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) effort work?
Current SNAP recipients (as of 10/29/2025) will receive a weekly comparable state-supported emergency food assistance payment based upon existing eligibility for the SNAP program. VENA benefits will be issued via the existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that SNAP recipients currently hold.
How often will benefits be issued?
VENA benefits will be issued weekly, not monthly, in hopes the federal shutdown will end soon.
For example:
- If a household normally receives $200 for a monthly benefit, a $50 benefit will be issued on a weekly basis. Recipients and households should adjust to this new schedule and plan accordingly.
What days of the month will benefits be issued?
Under normal issuance, SNAP households receive their monthly SNAP benefits at one time on the 1st, 4th or 7th day of the month based upon the first letter of their last name. VENA will be issued on a weekly basis on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (according to the existing staggered issuance schedule).
For example, if:
- A household that normally receives SNAP benefits on the 1st of the month, will now receive VENA benefits on Monday of each week.
- A household that normally receives SNAP benefits on the 4th of the month will now receive VENA benefits weekly on Wednesday of each week.
- A household that normally receives SNAP benefits on the 7th of the month; will now receive VENA benefits weekly on Friday of each week.
Where are the funds coming from?
The state of emergency allows the Governor to expend emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare, and safety of Virginians. Due to Virginia's prudent fiscal management we have available budget surplus to reduce disruptions in food access and ensure that Virginia’s families in need remain supported during the federal shutdown.
How is this emergency initiative different than the existing SNAP program?
SNAP benefits are funded entirely by the federal government. VENA is a state-run emergency relief effort. To recipients and retailers, this should operate similarly to how SNAP beneficiary households receive their monthly benefit. However, the backend coordination is complex and challenging to set up.
What about funds that localities typically spend on the administration of the SNAP program?
The administrative costs of VENA will be paid entirely by the commonwealth, separate from SNAP.
The commonwealth and VDSS are actively collaborating with localities and local departments of social services (LDSS) on managing the administrative costs associated with SNAP during the federal shutdown.
How long will VENA last?
The governor has publicly stated the effort should continue at least through November. This state-supported effort, distinct from SNAP, uses Virginia’s budget surplus to prevent disruptions in food access and ensures Virginia’s families in need remain supported during the federal shutdown. However, this is a stopgap solution: once federal funds for SNAP are authorized and released, VENA assistance effort will end, and SNAP benefits will be fully restored.
---------
ORIGINAL Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Public Notice regarding SNAP benefits
Potential delay or non-receipt of November SNAP benefits
The King George County Department of Social Services (DSS) is issuing this urgent public notice to inform all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients of the high probability of a delay or interruption in benefit issuance for November 2025 should the current federal government shutdown continue.
Current Situation
Federal funding for SNAP is dependent on an appropriation bill from the U.S. Congress. Since the new federal fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, a government shutdown has been in effect.
- October SNAP benefits were funded prior to the shutdown and have been or will be issued on their normal schedule.
- November SNAP benefits require federal approval and disbursement of funds to the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instructed states, including Virginia, not to submit electronic files for November benefits at this time.
What This Means for You
If the government shutdown continues beyond the critical mid-October deadline, your November SNAP benefits will be delayed or may not be issued at all. Therefore, King George County DSS cannot guarantee the availability or issuance date of your November SNAP benefits.
Crucial Note for New Applicants
Applicants who filed for SNAP benefits on or after October 16, 2025, and are approved for expedited benefits, will only receive a pro-rated amount for October. They will not receive November benefits until federal funding is secured.
What You Should Do Now
DSS understands the hardship this creates and urges SNAP recipients to take the following steps immediately to prepare their households:
Conserve Your Current Benefits
Wisely use remaining October SNAP benefits and any household funds available. Prioritize essential, non-perishable food items. Visit MyPlate.gov for tools and recipes to help stretch SNAP-eligible ingredients.Monitor Official Communications
Check official King George County channels daily for updates. This situation is extremely fluid and can change at any time.Explore Community Food Resources
King George County DSS is actively working with local partners. If you need food assistance, please use the following resources:
- Contact 2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local human service resources. - Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
The food bank helps provide nutritious food to people through its network of community partners, which includes King George.- Website
fredfood.org - FredFoodVA App (available on the App Store and Google Play)
Find an up-to-date Food Pantry Locator Map and the Mobile Pantry Schedule for our region. - Food Bank Location
3631 Lee Hill Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 - Order Ahead
orderahead.org
- Love Thy Neighbor
The community food pantry provides nutritious food and essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity in King George.- Website
kgfood.org - Food Pantry Location
10250 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485
- KG Community Connect
Trick or treat with nearly 20 community resource partners on Oct. 29 from 5-6 p.m. and learn more about opportunities available to you at the Revercomb Administration Building (10459 Courthouse Drive).
King George County DSS Offices Remain Open
The county and state SNAP offices remain open and will continue to process applications and recertifications for October benefits. However, the processing and approval of any new or ongoing cases for November benefits are fully dependent on federal government action.
DSS appreciates your patience during this challenge and will share updates as soon as new information becomes available.
How the Public Can Help
We invite anyone who is able to support neighbors in need to consider donating food or money to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank or a local King George food pantry. Every $1 donated to the Food Bank provides approximately two meals to people in our community.
To Donate or Volunteer
Visit https://fredfood.org/Ways-To-Give or call (540) 371-7666.