Published on Fri., November 7, 2025
Governor Youngkin launches emergency state-funded food assistance amid federal shutdown.
- Uses the same EBT cards and the same beneficiaries as SNAP.
- Funded by Virginia’s state budget surplus—no federal funds.
- Delivers weekly benefits instead of monthly (approximately ¼ of monthly amount each week).
- $37.5 million per week in benefits to support Virginians in need.
- Keep your EBT card secure—switch it off in the ConnectEBT app until checkout.
Additional $1 million directed to Virginia's food bank network to ease the transition and help families facing hardship.
Benefits will be issued on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in November.
See the VENA flyer of more information.
Questions? Visit dss.virginia.gov or contact your local social services office.