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Youngkin outlines how the state’s budget surplus would be used to fund SNAP benefits
10/31/2025 | 2m 9sVideo has Closed Captions
Youngkin unveils how covering SNAP benefits would work
After declaring a state of emergency, Gov. Glenn Youngkin outlined how the state plans to replace the SNAP benefits that would be halted by the federal government shutdown.
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VPM News is a local public television program presented by VPM
VPM News
Youngkin outlines how the state’s budget surplus would be used to fund SNAP benefits
10/31/2025 | 2m 9sVideo has Closed Captions
After declaring a state of emergency, Gov. Glenn Youngkin outlined how the state plans to replace the SNAP benefits that would be halted by the federal government shutdown.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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GLENN YOUNGKIN: This has never been done before.
BILLY SHIELDS: But Gov.
Glenn Youngkin unveiled a temporary solution for Virginia's SNAP recipients.
The state will temporarily fund the program out of its surplus.
GLENN YOUNGKIN: This brand new system then will fund weekly benefits every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
BILLY SHIELDS: It's a plan the governor hopes will also ease the strain on local food banks.
The Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center is one of the largest in Central Virginia.
Cars back up during distributions from its eight Southside locations.
But the food bank worries about the effect any disruption in SNAP disbursements could have on these crowds.
NICHOLAS JENKINS: We have been aware of the government shutdown since it happened.
Understanding that the implications of this with food-based benefits will directly impact our distributions on a weekly basis.
BILLY SHIELDS:The government shutdown has suddenly put food assistance programs in jeopardy.
NICHOLAS JENKINS: If that goes away or is delayed or disrupted, we're going to see that increase reflected in the lines at our distributions come November.
BILLY SHIELDS: In Richmond alone, one out of five residents receives food assistance, according to the City.
In Virginia, about 800,000 people get SNAP benefits.
Elected leaders worry about further straining food banks.
DANICA ROEM: People who are then beginning to subsist on woefully inadequate meals.
BILLY SHIELDS: Adult food insecurity is just part of the ramifications of the shutdown.
According to the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is also a concern.
LaKEISHA COOK: You cut that off, that is going to be an automatic impact on the nutrition of a young child at a very, very pivotal developmental stage.
BILLY SHIELDS: Gov.
Youngkin said federal funding of WIC is expected to continue, but committed covering those benefits if needed.
Meanwhile, food banks like this one are bracing for the holidays, their busiest time of year, which is right around the corner.
Billy Shields, VPM News.
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