Impact to SNAP Benefits
Last updated Thursday, 11/13/25, at 9:30 a.m.
What do I need to know?
Tens of thousands of Richmond residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because of the federal shutdown, that program did not issue benefits beginning on November 1.
A Richmond with thriving families, neighborhoods, and inclusive communities is one where no resident goes to bed hungry. This page will contain our most up-to-date news, resources, and information about how to help. Please check back regularly.
Note: The federal shutdown ended on November 12, with an agreement to continue SNAP benefits through at least September 30, 2026. SNAP benefits are expected to resume now that the shutdown has ended, but the City will continue to monitor and work closely with our local, regional, and state partners to ensure our residents and families have uninterrupted access to food. For more updates on the broader impacts of the federal government shutdown and reopening, please visit go.rva.gov/shutdown.
Find food pantries in Richmond
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions for the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative [NOTE: as of November 9, this program is paused while the Commonwealth of Virginia works to issue SNAP benefits].
- The City of Richmond's SNAP benefits page
- Virginia's Department of Social Services page
- VDSS Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP Eligibility and Work Requirements
- Mayor Danny Avula's initial SNAP update for Richmond residents (10/28/29)
- Feed More's "Get Help" site shares pantry locations and additional services
- Looking for additional support with housing, childcare, transportation, or health services? Visit Help1RVA.
Ways to Help
- Donate: The best way for residents to support this ongoing effort is to donate to Feed More (go.rva.gov/feedmore). A $5 donation provides 20 nourishing meals to residents in need. These donations will directly support food distribution in the Richmond region the week of November 4.
- Donate (your time): The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond is sharing volunteer opportunities related directly to food insecurity and food access.
- Donate (your food): Feed More will accept donations of food. You can learn more about how and what to donate on feedmore.org.
Updates
- Wednesday, November 12: The federal government shutdown comes to an end; benefits expected to resume shortly.
- Monday, November 10: The Senate's continuing resolution to fund the government includes funding for SNAP through at least September 30, 2026.
- Sunday, November 9: Governor Glenn Youngkin announces a pause on the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative while the Commonwealth works to issue SNAP benefits in the coming week.
- Friday, November 7: Mayor Danny Avula highlights collaborative efforts to support food assistance in our region. During the week of November 3, the City of Richmond, along with Chesterfield and Henrico Counties, jointly contributed $300,000 to Feed More.
- Monday, November 3: CAO Odie Donald II shares "The Increasing Local Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown" with the Organizational Development Standing Committee.
- Saturday, November 1: Updates to SNAP work requirements take effect. When cases are next reviewed or renewed, they will be subject to the new work requirement rules.
- Friday, October 31: Two federal judges rule that the federal government must continue to fund SNAP through the shutdown using USDA contingency funds.
- Wednesday, October 29: The Richmond Region announces its partnership with Feed More to continue residents' access to nutritious foods.
- Tuesday, October 28: Governor Youngkin outlines the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative, which will provide a state-sponsored, weekly food assistance payment for people who are currently SNAP beneficiaries.
- Thursday, October 23: Governor Youngkin issues a State of Emergency Declaration for hunger relief.
- Friday, October 17: The City of Richmond releases "Resilient Richmond," an initial assessment of impacts from the federal government shutdown.
