SNAP Benefits Halted In VA Due To Government Shutdown

Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a letter sent to states by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As the shutdown prepares to enter its fourth week on Wednesday, this latest disruption could affect the nearly 42 million Americans, including 825,000 Virginians, who receive SNAP benefits.

The SNAP program helps low-income individuals purchase produce, meat, dairy and other essential household food staples. On average, recipients receive a payment of $187 (or roughly $6 per day) on prepaid EBT cards they can use to purchase items.

While SNAP is a federal program, states are responsible for administering benefits to recipients.

According to the USDA's letter obtained by Time magazine, SNAP benefits will be paid through October. However, if the government shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay November benefits.

"Considering the operational issues and constraints that exist in automated systems, and in the interest of preserving maximum flexibility, we are forced to direct states to hold their November issuance files and delay transmission to state EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) vendors until further notice. This includes ongoing SNAP benefits and daily files," the letter read.

For more information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Virginians should visit the state Department of Social Services website.

The federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record with no end in sight. Some lawmakers are predicting it could become the longest, surpassing the 35 days from President Donald Trump's first term.

The Trump administration is using the current shutdown to buttress priorities it favors while seeking to dismantle those it doesn't. Nevertheless, Democrats are insisting that any funding bill include help for millions of Americans who will lose health insurance coverage or face dramatically higher monthly premiums if Congress does nothing.

The Congressional Budget Office also estimated that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of the shutdown, including 147,000 who live in Virginia, with the total daily cost of their compensation estimated at roughly $400 million.

The state of Virginia has created an online hub of resources for federal workers affected by the shutdown.

In the Commonwealth, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks partners with over a thousand agencies to distribute food across the state. The organization’s director, Eddie Oliver, said he’s seen an increase in demand following the end of pandemic assistance programs and worries that an interruption to food benefits could put a strain on food banks.

“Without those programs, any cuts to those, it’s going to fall on us and it’s going to send more people to our pantries when we’re barely meeting the need, as it is right now,” Oliver said.

Virginians who need assistance accessing food during the shutdown should visit 211 Virginia or use the Virginia Food Bank Locator.