Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has been halted due to the federal government shutdown. After the White House refused to use emergency funds to cover this social aid, the state of Virginia declared a state of emergency and announced the implementation of this new measure, called VENA. This program is not distributed monthly but consists of weekly payments corresponding to 25% of the total SNAP amount. It began on November 3, 2025, and will remain active as long as the U.S. federal government remains closed.
The funds will be loaded in the same way through the existing ETB cards so that beneficiaries will not have to complete additional paperwork. The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) recommends checking for updates on schedules and benefits as well as their eligibility. Funding for this initiative comes from the Virginia state budget surplus, with $145 million allocated for the month of November.
Federal government shutdown in the United States
The federal government shutdown in the United States has had direct repercussions on the population. One of these has been the suspension of social assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to millions of Americans. This decision was made by the White House, which refused to use emergency funds to address this social need. For this reason, some states have decided to find a solution, as far as their resources allow. In the case of Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin has decided to use temporary state funds to assist eligible residents affected by the SNAP suspension.
VENA
Around 42 million Americans—including more than 850,000 Virginians—are facing food insecurity due to the decision made by the White House, and they are the ones who will benefit from the measure taken by Youngkin. This payment program has been named VENA and was launched after declaring a state of emergency in Virginia. Although it aims to address SNAP needs, it works differently: VENA payments will be made weekly while the government remains closed.
Payments began on November 3, 2025, when beneficiaries received approximately 25% of the monthly SNAP amount. The total sum of the benefits is equivalent to the full monthly benefit, but it is distributed over four weeks. Beneficiaries will not have to go through any additional bureaucracy, as the funds are automatically loaded onto the existing EBT cards.
Other states take action
Many states have had to declare a food emergency and, at the same time, are looking for ways to help residents access food. Not all states can financially support a substitute payment for SNAP, as is the case in Virginia, which has been able to fund it thanks to a budget surplus of around 145 million dollars. In other states, aid funds for food banks and local assistance programs have been increased, but none have been able to implement an alternative program directly funded like SNAP.
Demand at community organizations, food banks, and churches has increased over the past month in response to citizens. The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) recommends that residents check with local offices or on its official website for all the necessary information regarding schedules and eligibility for available benefits.