On October 29, 2025, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency. This action aims to provide Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to SNAP recipients if the federal government shutdown continues past November 1. The measure allows the use of state funds to support individuals who rely on federal nutrition assistance.
Under the VENA program, 25% of a recipient’s monthly SNAP benefit will be distributed each week, starting November 3. Distribution days will follow the usual benefit schedule: Mondays for those paid on the 1st, Wednesdays for the 4th, and Fridays for the 7th. This schedule is intended to maintain support until federal funding resumes…