Ongoing federal government shutdown puts November SNAP benefits in limbo

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - It’s been 19 days since the federal government shutdown began, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified the state of Virginia that “November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits cannot be issued at this time”, according to Bedford County officials.

The county said SNAP benefits already on EBT cards can still be used to purchase food during the shutdown. But benefits in November will not be distributed unless additional guidance is received from the federal government before the end of October.

This national issue impacts all households reliant on SNAP; those households will not be able to appealed by SNAP recipients.

Anybody needing assistance accessing food during the shutdown should call 2-1-1, go here or contact a local food bank.