If your family is struggling to put food on the table during the government shutdown, there are resources for food assistance in Charlottesville that can help.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits cannot be issued at this time. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) funding through November is also uncertain. These resources are lifelines for millions of families around the country, many of whom now face uncertainty about how they can afford food.
Local food banks and pantries are anticipating that demand will outpace supply. During this stressful time, we encourage you to check on your neighbors, share resources, and provide support where you can.
Charlottesville Food Assistance Resources
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, these programs in Charlottesville and Albemarle County can help.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Loaves and Fishes
Cville Area Feeds
Emergency Food Network
What To Know About Food Assistance Programs in Charlottesville:
- Free/reduced school meals will still be served during the government shutdown.
- If you have money on your SNAP or WIC account, you can still use it.
- The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its partner network remain fully operational, and food assistance is available throughout the area. Anyone can pick up food free of charge, or a friend or family member can pick it up for you.
Virginia’s Food Assistance Program
On October 23rd, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency to address the loss of SNAP benefits for Virginia residence. Through the newly-created Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program, SNAP beneficiaries will 25% of their monthly benefits to their EBT card each week.
These temporary benefits will distributed on a staggered schedule beginning the week of Nov. 3rd and through the end of November. The VENA program will operate with the expectation that full federal SNAP benefits will be restored by the end of the month.
More information can be found at: dss.virginia.gov/vena
Ways to Help Charlottesville Families Get Food Assistance
Support Your Local Food Bank
Local community food banks and pantries are a vital resource for families during this time. The need for food will likely outpace their inventory. Spread the word, donate, or volunteer to ensure every person can get the support they need. Many food pantries prefer monetary donations, as they are able to negotiate lower bulk prices than consumers can get at the store.
Check On Your Neighbors
This is a stressful time for many families; be sure to check on your community. Ensure your neighbors have the information they need to access local resources. If you are a member of a school, daycare program, religious community, or other local organization, talk to the program’s leadership team about ways to help families, members, and staff who might need food assistance.
Support Local Grocery Stores
Retailers process millions of SNAP/EBT transactions per month, and every $1 in SNAP benefits creates $1.50-$1.80 in local economic activity. Small and mid-size local grocery stores can struggle when they lose that revenue. If you are able, shopping at these groceries stores can help them stay open and operational so they can continue to serve their communities when SNAP benefits resume.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting a Food Bank
How often can I pick up food at a food pantry?
Individual food banks and pantries may have restrictions on how frequently you can pick up food.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its partner network provide access to free, quality food on both a long- and short-term basis. You can pick up food just once, or you can visit every week if that’s what your family needs.
Are there restrictions on who can get food help?
Most meal sites, mobile food pantries, and neighborhood produce markets don’t have income guidelines; you won’t need to show proof of income or a loss of benefits to pick up food. Some pantries that get food from the USDA’s The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) may have income restrictions, but they may still be able to offer other food if you don’t fall within income restrictions.
Before visiting a pantry, call to ask if they require proof of address, as some places serve specific geographic regions. If you don’t qualify for that location, they will likely be able to direct you to an alternative pantry, food bank, or pick-up location.
What kind of ID do I need to show at a food pantry?
Partners in the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank network should never ask you to show an ID or Social Security card at a food pantry. If you are asked to show these documents, call the Food Bank at (540) 248-3663.
UPDATE: Federal Government Shutdown May Impact November SNAP Benefits
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – UPDATE 10/23/25: Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency to provide emergency hunger relief for Virginians. The State of Emergency allows the Governor to expend emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare, and safety of Virginians.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that there is no guarantee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be funded for the month of November. This is a nationwide issue impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed at the local or state level.
On October 10, the USDA directed states to hold November SNAP issuance files and delay transmission to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors until further notice. Since receiving this guidance, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has been working closely with state and federal partners to assess all options, understand potential impacts, and develop plans to minimize disruptions. VDSS is also coordinating with the Governor’s Office to ensure clear and timely public communication throughout the federal government shutdown.
If food assistance is needed during the federal government shutdown, local organizations are ready to help:
- Virginia 2-1-1 – https://211virginia.org
- Charlottesville Food Pantry – https://cvillefoodpantry.org
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – https://www.brafb.org/find-food/
At this time, the City of Charlottesville does not have additional information regarding the issuance of November SNAP benefits. VDSS is continuing to monitor the situation.
This article is adapted from a post by ReadyKids Charlottesville. To ensure kids are ready, ReadyKids provides the Charlottesville area with counseling, family support, and early learning opportunities.