While millions of Americans are poised to lose access to a crucial food assistance program in the coming days amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Virginia SNAP recipients will be covered for the time being, following the declaration of a state of emergency by Gov. Glenn Youngkin last Thursday.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps) is funded by the federal government, but administered by the states.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture had previously notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that SNAP benefits for November could not be issued, nor appealed as it is a nationwide issue impacting all SNAP households.
However, last Thursday, Youngkin sent out a press release, declaring the state of emergency, under which he planned to expend emergency funds through sum sufficient authority to cover SNAP benefits for the commonwealth.
On Tuesday, Youngkin held a press conference to address the VENA, or Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistan...