Federal SNAP benefits could resume this week for Alexandria families
State pauses emergency food program as payments restart amid ongoing legal battle
Federal food assistance payments disrupted by the government shutdown could resume this week, affecting approximately 4,400 Alexandria families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Sunday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture directed Virginia to issue 65% of monthly SNAP benefits to more than 850,000 recipients statewide by Thursday.
The state launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance program last week, providing 25% of typical benefits. Combined with this week’s federal payment, recipients would receive 90% of their normal November allotment.
Virginia will pause the emergency program to comply with federal requirements, according to the governor’s office.
The announcement comes amid a legal battle over SNAP benefits during the shutdown. States administering the program, which serves about 42 million Americans nationwide, faced uncertainty Sunday over whether they can provide full monthly benefits, according to the Associated Press.
The Trump administration over the weekend demanded states “undo” full benefits paid during a one-day window between when a federal judge ordered full funding and a Supreme Court justice temporarily paused that order, the AP reported.
A federal appeals court in Boston left the full benefits order in place late Sunday, though the Supreme Court order ensures the government won’t have to pay out for at least 48 hours, according to the AP.
“The record here shows that the government sat on its hands for nearly a month, unprepared to make partial payments, while people who rely on SNAP received no benefits a week into November and counting,” Judge Julie Rikelman of the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals wrote, according to the AP.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has affected approximately 13,000 federal workers living in Alexandria, as well as federal contractors. The city has deployed resources, including housing assistance, utility payment plans and childcare support.
Youngkin declared a state of emergency on October 23 to authorize state funds for SNAP benefits after federal funding was expected to expire.
The shutdown made approximately 12,000 Virginians newly eligible for SNAP benefits, but unable to access them.
Youngkin also launched the Virginia Cares Initiative, a statewide food drive that supports federal workers and their families affected by the shutdown. The state allocated $1 million to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
Community organizations including ALIVE are accepting food donations and seeking volunteers.
SNAP recipients with questions can contact their local social services department or visit dss.virginia.gov. Alexandria residents can call the Department of Community and Human Services at 703-746-5700.
The City of Alexandria had a list of resources and information for those impacted by the federal shutdown here.