Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) visited Healthy Harvest food bank in Warsaw, Virginia, to meet with volunteers and help sort out groceries at the warehouse. With the impacts of the government shutdown being felt across the First District, food banks are seeing an increase in demand. The loss of federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which takes effect on November 1, 2025, will have devastating consequences on the American people and place additional burden on the nation’s food pantries. 

“On September 19th, I voted for a short-term funding measure that would have funded SNAP, and ensured that our nation’s federal workers and military families would receive their hard-earned paychecks,” said Rep. Wittman. “It is unconscionable that Senate Democrats continue to vote against this clean funding measure, forcing the American people to bear the cost of political games. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stop by Healthy Harvest and meet with the incredible people team that works tirelessly to serve the Warsaw community. It is time to end this painful shutdown – the Senate must come together and act.” 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1st due to a lapse in appropriations. This affects all current recipients, including those who applied in late October. Federal employees relying on SNAP—many of whom have already missed paychecks—will also lose access to this critical food assistance.

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to help Virginia agencies prepare and coordinate resources for affected families. Virginia’s budget surplus will fund a state-level replacement for SNAP benefits called the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative. SNAP beneficiaries will receive these emergency funds on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards distributed weekly starting on November 3rd.