October 29, 2025: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency allowing the use of state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025. Under VENA, 25% of a customer’s monthly benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, so that in the event the shutdown ends sometime during November, normal distributions from the federal government will resume. Starting Monday, November 3, the following will take effect for SNAP customers:
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.
- Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.
Virginia is the first state in the nation to use state funds to deliver food assistance to SNAP customers. The state of emergency allows the Governor to use these funds to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians.
We will continue to share updates as information becomes available and remain committed to supporting Virginians.
For further information please visit dss.virginia.gov
