Update on SNAP Benefits and Virginia’s Emergency Nutrition Assistance Initiative (VENA)

The following is an update regarding SNAP benefits and the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration.

Yesterday, Governor Glenn Youngkin outlined the parameters of the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative established under Executive Order 54 as part of the State of Emergency previously declared in response to the federal government shutdown.

The VENA initiative is a Commonwealth-supported food assistance effort that provides food benefits in seven-day increments throughout November to current SNAP recipients. These benefits will be issued through existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Please note: Recipients must use any SNAP benefits currently on their EBT cards before they can access their new VENA benefits.

Under this new schedule, VENA benefits will be issued weekly rather than monthly. For example, if a household typically receives $200 per month, they will now receive $50 per week. Distribution will occur on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, following the existing staggered issuance schedule based on the first, fourth, or seventh day of the month.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and local departments of social services, including Norfolk’s Department of Human Services (DHS), are working together to manage this program during the ongoing federal shutdown. The VENA initiative is expected to continue through November, but will end once federal funding is restored.

In addition, the Governor has announced $1 million in state funds will be provided to Virginia food banks to help offset any temporary disruptions in food assistance.

For the latest updates, visit www.norfolk.gov/HumanServices or follow the City of Norfolk’s official social media channels for continued information and community resource updates.

Together, we remain committed to supporting Norfolk residents and families through this transition.