One Virginia locality warns of no SNAP benefits in November

The impacts of the federal shutdown will become much more pronounced to many Virginians in less than ten days.

The Campbell County communications department sent out a press release this afternoon announcing that a program that helps many pay for food has no money for November.

“Due to the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits cannot be issued at this time,” reads a Campbell County alert.

SNAP dates back to 1939 when agriculture in the mid-west had rebounded from a series of calamities but many were still impoverished. The program served as way to help farmers and get people the nutrition they needed to survive.

While federally funded, the programs are run by each state. You can learn more about how it runs on the Virginia Department of Social Services, but as of now there is no information about a potential cessation of funding.

The USDA website has a partisan message with incomplete information about the reasons for the federal shutdown.

The Campbell County website offers a little more information to those who use SNAP to feed their households. For instance, those who have a balance on their card can continue to use their allocation until it runs out. People are encouraged to reach out to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

This is a developing story. Here’s some other coverage:

• Bedford County warns of nationwide SNAP benefit disruptions, Paul Hess, WFXR, October 20, 2025
• Ongoing federal government shutdown puts November SNAP benefits in limbo, Jeff Singer, WDBJ-7, October 20, 2025

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