Copyright Augusta Free Press
Seniors and families already struggling to make ends meet may be forced to stretch their dollar even further due to the government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits may be delayed or unavailable in November. States have been told by the USDA to hold their benefit files, potentially leading to a food crisis in Virginia and nationwide as already burdened food banks and pantries will likely be inundated with more people in need. Those who rely on the benefit to put food on their table are now left wondering if and when assistance will come in November. If the government shutdown continues, low-income families may have to choose between food, rent and utilities. Even if the government re-opens by the end of October, delays are still possible. Impact on Virginia A Virginia Department of Social Services report breaking down SNAP recipients, accounting for all people in a household, shows 854,169 in the state rely on SNAP to put food on their table. This includes more than 300,000 children and 100,000 seniors. On average, SNAP provides $170 a month to participants. Statewide, more than $144 million in food assistance is distributed each month. The number of people impacted locally according to the report are: Albemarle County: 6,177 Augusta County: 6,147 Rockingham County: 5,574 Charlottesville: 4,716 Harrisonburg: 4,432 Staunton: 3,322 Waynesboro: 3,173 View the full report here. The Virginia Poverty Law Center is demanding the USDA act immediately to use its contingency fund – which should have approximately $6 billion available. Without the action, many people will be pushed from “just getting by” into severe hunger, it warns. Trump continues to blame Democrats for shutdown The federal government continues to place the blame for the shutdown on Democrats, despite having control of both bodies of Congress and a Republican president in office. The USDA website has a notice at the top of its page reading: “Due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.” This rhetoric clearly violates the Hatch Act, a 1939 law barring federal employees in the executive branch from engaging in politics on government time or with government resources. There is an exemption for the president and vice president. Democrats are fighting for an extension of healthcare tax credits that will expire at the end of the year without Congressional action. Thirteen Republicans sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson to urge him to deal with the expiring tax credits now. While they continue to blame the shutdown on Democrats, many of these legislators are in districts considered vulnerable for the 2026 mid-term elections. Democrats have argued that without action on the tax credits, insurance premiums could potentially double for many households. A decision is urgent as many insurers set rates for the calendar year in November or December. ICYMI ‘Terrifying storm brewing’ if Republicans won’t extend health care tax credits Local airports not showing partisan TSA video amid government shutdown East Wing demolished to make way for grand ballroom, Trump says outrage is ‘fake news’ “Families are already facing higher financial stress due to the rising cost of groceries and other basic necessities, and there’s no reason Congress shouldn’t be able to fix the health care premium issue so millions of Americans can keep their health care,” U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner (both D-VA) said in a joint statement. “It’s up to President Trump and congressional Republicans to decide whether and when they want to engage and work with Democrats to extend the ACA [Affordable Care Act] tax credits and reopen the government,” the senators said. This is the second longest shutdown for the federal government. SNAP recipients need to prepare now Albemarle County sent an update to community members with tips to help residents during the shutdown. It has also launched an informational page on its website to keep residents informed about SNAP. “Albemarle County understands how important these benefits are for many families in our community,” the update read. “While we do not control the timing of federal benefit funding, we are committed to sharing information and resources with our residents and would like to share the information we have available at this time.” Tips for SNAP recipients Stretch remaining SNAP funds by prioritizing essential, non-perishable foods Check local grocery stores for sales If you use Virginia Fresh Match, you can double your dollars on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating markets Know where to turn to help including food pantries and assistance programs. Call 211 or visit 211virginia.org for referral information How communities can help
