SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, also known as Food Stamps, are being interrupted because of the federal government shutdown.
On Jan. 17, 2019 Virginia SNAP beneficiaries will receive their February SNAP dollars. There will not be any funds distributed in February. Participants should plan and budget their SNAP dollars accordingly.
Without a resolution to the government shutdown it is possible that no SNAP benefits will be distributed in March. Similar safety net programs like WIC and TANF should operate normally through February, but the future of these programs is uncertain if the government continues the shut down through February.
Our friends and neighbors throughout the greater Richmond region are going to be affected by these benefit distribution changes. In Virginia, 1 in 11 families rely on SNAP benefits to eat. One third of SNAP beneficiaries are older adults or persons with disabilities (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2018).
In Congressional District 4, where Richmond City is located, there are more than 37,500 households using SNAP, and 29.9 percent of these households include an individual over the age of 60. Additionally 44.7 percent of these households include a person with a disability (United States Department of Agriculture, Profile of SNAP households).
Virginia SNAP use
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
Based here in Richmond, Feed More collects, prepares and distributes food to neighbors in need. To help those in need as a result of the partial shutdown, Feed More is doing the following (from Feed More):
Have you heard of other efforts to help those in need? Does your agency have plans in the works? Age Wave is aiding in resource sharing and cross sector information, and it’s important to spread the word during this crucial time. Please let Age Wave know about other efforts: email macdonaldcs@vcu.edu.
“What can I do?” Talk to your friends and neighbors about this issue. Rally together to support our neighbors. Help plan meals and conserve resources. If you are concerned you will not have enough to eat, call the hotline at Feed More: 804-521-2500 ext 631
On Jan. 17, 2019 Virginia SNAP beneficiaries will receive their February SNAP dollars. There will not be any funds distributed in February. Participants should plan and budget their SNAP dollars accordingly.
Without a resolution to the government shutdown it is possible that no SNAP benefits will be distributed in March. Similar safety net programs like WIC and TANF should operate normally through February, but the future of these programs is uncertain if the government continues the shut down through February.
Our friends and neighbors throughout the greater Richmond region are going to be affected by these benefit distribution changes. In Virginia, 1 in 11 families rely on SNAP benefits to eat. One third of SNAP beneficiaries are older adults or persons with disabilities (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2018).
In Congressional District 4, where Richmond City is located, there are more than 37,500 households using SNAP, and 29.9 percent of these households include an individual over the age of 60. Additionally 44.7 percent of these households include a person with a disability (United States Department of Agriculture, Profile of SNAP households).
Virginia SNAP use
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
Based here in Richmond, Feed More collects, prepares and distributes food to neighbors in need. To help those in need as a result of the partial shutdown, Feed More is doing the following (from Feed More):
- We will be holding a Pop-Up Distribution this Friday on our campus from 2 pm to 4 pm in Building 2. Nonperishable boxes, fresh produce and proteins will be provided. Monitor Feed More’s social media channels for details.
- We have engaged 9 agencies in our area who have agreed to be focal points for those affected. These agencies will provide nutritious food during their normal distribution days/times. The specific agencies involved along with other important information will be made available through various channels in order to reach those who need help. Feed More will supply the agencies with additional food as needed throughout the shutdown. Please call our Food Referral’s Hunger Hotline 521-2500 ext 631 or ask for “Food Referral.” Our Food Referral office is available Monday – Friday 9 am - 3:30 pm.
- Should the shutdown continue, we are preparing to hold several more Pop-Up distributions on our campus. There is also the possibility of holding other Pop-Ups at some of the 9 focal agencies already engaged with us.
- Please feel free to give out our Food Referral’s Hunger Hotline number and clients can be directed accordingly to an agency. 521-2500 ext 631 or they can ask for Food Referral (9-3:30pm)
Have you heard of other efforts to help those in need? Does your agency have plans in the works? Age Wave is aiding in resource sharing and cross sector information, and it’s important to spread the word during this crucial time. Please let Age Wave know about other efforts: email macdonaldcs@vcu.edu.
“What can I do?” Talk to your friends and neighbors about this issue. Rally together to support our neighbors. Help plan meals and conserve resources. If you are concerned you will not have enough to eat, call the hotline at Feed More: 804-521-2500 ext 631
