The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November may be delayed or unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This is a nationwide issue affecting all SNAP households.
Albemarle County understands how important these benefits are for many families in our community. While we do not control the timing of federal benefit funding, we are committed to sharing information and resources with our residents and would like to share the information we have available at this time. As new updates come in, we will post them on our website at Albemarle.org/CommunityUpdates.
Federal SNAP funding requires congressional approval. The USDA has instructed states not to submit November benefit files until further notice. If the shutdown ends by the end of the month, November benefits may only be slightly delayed. If it continues, no state can guarantee when or if November benefits will be issued. Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has been working closely with state and federal partners to assess all options, understand potential impacts, and develop plans to minimize disruptions.
What recipients can do:
- Use current benefits wisely. Stretch remaining SNAP funds by prioritizing essential, non-perishable foods and checking local grocery stores for sales. If you use Virginia Fresh Match, you can double your dollars on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating markets. Find locations at virginiafreshmatch.org/locate.
- Stay informed. We’ll continue to post updates at Albemarle.org/CommunityUpdates as information becomes available from the USDA and VDSS.
- Know where to turn for help. Virginia 211 – Call 211 or visit 211virginia.org to find nearby food pantries and assistance programs. We’ve also compiled a list of local community resources here.
With over 3,000 households potentially facing impacts from this delay, many Albemarle County residents are likely wondering how they can help. Here are a few ways to make a difference:
- Donate to local food banks. Every donation to the area food banks helps provide meals for families here in our community.
- Volunteer. Local pantries and food programs rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food.
- Check on your neighbors. If you know someone who relies on SNAP benefits, a simple check-in or shared meal can go a long way.