CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – With the federal government shutdown extending beyond previous records due to legislative gridlock in Washington, the burden is increasingly falling on everyday citizens, especially those relying on critical aid programs such as SNAP. As uncertainty grows over benefit disbursements, food assistance organizations are reporting a surge in demand. n nVirginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the creation of a temporary state-level alternative to SNAP, named VENA, intended to provide nutritional support during the impasse. While initial payments were expected this week, the governor’s office did not confirm whether funds had been distributed by publication time. n nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program serves over 40 million individuals nationwide, playing a vital role in reducing food insecurity. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture now using emergency reserves to cover November benefits, confusion about timing and eligibility has driven more households to local food pantries. n n”SNAP is the most effective initiative against hunger in the U.S., possibly globally,” stated Les Sinclair of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “No network of food banks can fully substitute for a program of that scale.” n nApproximately 10% of Virginia residents are affected by food insecurity, though rates vary by region—lower in Albemarle County but higher in Charlottesville and Buckingham County. Sinclair emphasized that when people lack confidence in receiving their usual support, they naturally seek help from community resources. n nHe stressed that the only sustainable resolution lies in bipartisan cooperation to restore federal operations. n nBeyond immediate hunger relief, economic ripple effects are emerging. Eric Scorsone, head of UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center, warned that the shutdown is amplifying challenges in Virginia’s already sluggish economy. n n”We’re observing broad consequences that could further weaken economic activity,” Scorsone noted. “It’s not just federal employees on furlough anymore.” n nAs families reduce spending on non-essentials—such as dining out or planned purchases—local businesses face declining revenues. This contraction can trigger a multiplier effect, potentially leading to workforce reductions across various sectors. n n”Given Virginia’s significant reliance on federal employment and spending, the state is particularly vulnerable,” Scorsone added. n
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Food banks under pressure as government shutdown worsens economic hardships
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – As the government shutdown surpasses record length with senators in Washington unable to reach an agreement, many say the heaviest cost is being borne by the average American, particularly through impacts on essential social services like SNAP and the economy. n nGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia would be launching its own parallel program to SNAP called VENA. The first of those payments were supposed to go out this week. n nThe governor’s office did not reply to a request for comment by time of publication on whether the payments were sent. n nSNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, keeps food on the table for more than 40 million Americans. n nThis government shutdown has required the U.S. Department of Agriculture to dip into emergency funds to fund November SNAP. Uncertainty around how much of those benefits, and when they will go through, has led many to turn to food banks. n n“SNAP is the most successful anti-hunger campaign in the country, maybe the world,” said Les Sinclair with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “The food bank network cannot replace it.” n nAbout one in 10 Virginians are impacted. That number is lower in Albemarle County but higher in Charlottesville and Buckingham County. n n“SNAP is a big program, and when there’s uncertainty within it and people need that certainty of having food in their refrigerator, in their pantry then they will turn to the pantry networks,” Sinclair said. n nSinclair said the solution is “making sure that they come to a bipartisan solution to reopen the federal government.” n nEconomists also worry about how the government halt could hurt people in the private sector. n n“We’re starting to see widespread impacts that I think are going to be a further drag on Virginia’s already stagnant economy,” said Eric Scorsone, executive director of UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center. n nNow not just furloughed workers are feeling that impact, Scorsone said. n n“People have to cut back on discretionary spending, like maybe going out to eat or buying something they were going to buy, so they put that off that affects those businesses who don’t get those sales,” Scorsone said. n nScorsone said that’s called a multiplier effect. As the shutdown stretches on, many businesses throughout the state may have to resort to layoffs. n n“Virginia, because of its heavy dependence on federal government, is definitely in the crosshairs right now,” Scorsone said. n nDo you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.