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Governor Youngkin Issues State of Emergency as SNAP Funding Questions Continue

Today (10/23/2025), Governor Youngkin declared a State of Emergency to address the high needs that will potentially be created  if the federal government shutdown continues and Virginians lose access to SNAP benefits. We have also received reports that local Departments of Social Services are stating that they will not be able to issue SNAP benefits to Virginians in November. Here’s what we know:  

  • On October 10, 2025, the Food & Nutrition Service (the federal government agency responsible for administering SNAP) asked states to delay issuing SNAP benefits for November because the federal government does not have enough funds to fully fund SNAP nationwide after October 31.  
  • The agency did not say that there will be no benefits available in November or going forward.  
  • While the agency does not have enough funds for everyone across the country to get full SNAP benefits in November, it does have most of the funds required to cover those benefits. The agency has not stated how it will handle the shortfall. There are ways that the federal government could supplement the currently available funding to ensure that full benefits are available to everyone; or the government could delay or reduce benefits so that at least some benefits are available if the shutdown continues. 
  • At least one bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to continue full funding for SNAP benefits throughout the duration of the shutdown. As we learn more about votes on this bill, we will update our website.  

The Governor’s press statement declaring a state of emergency  states that he is seeking to provide Virginians hunger relief if, as of November 1, 2025, SNAP benefits are no longer available. The statement does not include specific plans to provide such relief. We will update our website when we have more information.  

Important: It is not clear that SNAP benefits (or some Virginia-funded relief) will or will not be issued in November. Right now, the status of these benefits is still unknown. When there is a firm decision or we know more, we will update our website. 

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