CFBOC Continuing Emergency Actions Despite Federal Government Reopening

We Are Here For You

Update: November 13, 2025

We’re relieved to share that the federal government has resumed full operations, meaning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be restored for recipients. Experts expect that SNAP benefits will be distributed at 65% within 24 hours after the government reopens on November 13. That’s good news, but we also know that when families experience a break in benefits, the financial and food-security consequences don’t just disappear overnight.

Even though benefits are flowing again, many households will still be recovering from the disruption: missed meals, skipped bills, extra stress, and depleted reserves. Studies and expert voices warn of lasting effects from any interruption in SNAP, including increased risk of food insecurity, worse health outcomes, and reduced household stability.

Because of that, we will not cancel our emergency food distributions. We know families need extra support now, as they bounce back, rebuild and bridge the gap. You can count on us to remain open and active. Visit https://www.cfboc.org/getfood for the latest dates and times.

Thank you for continuing to lean on us in this time. We’re committed to standing by you — and by every family that needs help.

Update: November 10, 2025

Thanks to recent federal guidance, Virginia households eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive approximately 65% of their usual monthly benefit this week. It is anticipated that benefits will arrive no later than November 13, according to Governor Youngkin's office.

This payment follows earlier state‑funded emergency distributions of about 25% through the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance Program (VENA). VENA is now paused to comply with federal rules and will not continue.

At CFBOC, we realize this means most recipients did not and will not receive their full benefits this month, if you need immediate food assistance, CFBOC remains open and ready to help.

Update: November 4, 2025

As the federal government shutdown continues, families across our community are facing an increasingly uncertain and stressful time, including our neighbors who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed their families, and those who have been furloughed and lost regular income.

The federal government has announced plans to use emergency funds to partially cover November SNAP benefits, but those payments may take weeks or even months to reach households because of administrative delays and legal uncertainty. Some federal officials have also suggested that full payments may not be issued until the shutdown ends, creating confusion and hardship for families who rely on SNAP to put food on the table.

VENA benefits began rolling out at about 25% of monthly SNAP benefits to Virginia residents on November 3, and are expected to continue weekly at this time.

At CFBOC, we have scheduled emergency distributions and events to help during this time of increased need. Visit https://www.cfboc.org/getfood for the latest dates and times.

Original Post: October 31, 2025

As the government shutdown continues, families across our community are facing an uncertain and stressful time. Including our neighbors who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed their families and those who have been furloughed and have lost their regular income. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency, allowing the Commonwealth to use state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to SNAP customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025.

How the VENA Program Works

Under VENA, 25% of a customer’s monthly SNAP benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, ensuring consistent access to food while the federal government remains shut down. If the shutdown ends during November, normal distributions will automatically resume.

Starting Monday, November 3, VENA benefits will be distributed as follows:

• Customers who receive their SNAP benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.

• Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.

• Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.

To learn more about VENA and ongoing updates from the Virginia Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.virginia.gov/vena/index.html.

CFBOC Is Here for Everyone in Need

At Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center (CFBOC), we remain committed to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry, whether you’re a SNAP recipient or not.

We understand that many of our neighbors are furloughed or facing financial strain due to the shutdown. That’s why we’re expanding our services to meet this growing need:

• Additional food distributions are being added throughout November and December.

• Emergency food and resource services are available Monday–Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM for those in critical need.

  • This emergency service is available one time per household and includes guidance about our regular food distributions and community resource partners.

  • Please bring a legal ID or a piece of mail showing your current address.

    
    

For a full list of distribution dates, locations, and emergency services, please visit  https://www.cfboc.org/getfood.

We Need Community Support To Meet The Need

The demand for food assistance is rising rapidly, and we can’t meet it alone. We’re asking for our community’s support through:

• Volunteering at upcoming food distributions

• Hosting food drives at schools, offices, or places of worship

• Making monetary donations to help us purchase essential food items

This is a challenging time for so many of our neighbors,  but together, we can ensure that no one faces hunger alone.

If you’re able, please visit cfboc.org/get-involved to learn how to donate, volunteer, or host a food drive. Every "Can" Counts - Your support makes all the difference.

And if you need our help during this difficult time. We’re here for you. https://www.cfboc.org/getfood