Stafford County, VA – Stafford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia are stepping in to support residents relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts normal benefit funding.
According to county officials, the Stafford Board of Supervisors has approved up to $65,000 from the county’s rainy-day fund to assist the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The funds will help offset food insecurity while Virginia uses state resources to temporarily continue SNAP benefits through the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program.
As of October 29, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, authorizing the use of state funds to cover food assistance if the federal shutdown remains unresolved by November 1, 2025.
Under the VENA program, eligible SNAP recipients will receive 25% of their monthly benefits each week throughout November. This ensures ongoing access to food support until regular federal benefits resume.
Weekly VENA Benefit Schedule (Beginning Monday, November 3):
- SNAP customers normally paid on the 1st → VENA benefits issued Mondays
- SNAP customers normally paid on the 4th → VENA benefits issued Wednesdays
- SNAP customers normally paid on the 7th → VENA benefits issued Fridays
County leaders said SNAP applications have surged, particularly from federal employees affected by the shutdown. Additional local aid may be requested as demand grows.
Residents can learn more via the Virginia Department of Social Services website or Stafford County Social Services.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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