Virginia Cares Initiative Launched to Support Families Affected by Federal Shutdown

With Thanksgiving approaching and thousands of families across the Commonwealth feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown, Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a statewide response: the Virginia Cares Initiative, a food drive aimed at providing emergency support to Virginians left in limbo.

The initiative, launched this week, focuses on helping federal workers, civilian military staff, and newly eligible SNAP recipients who are unable to access benefits due to the shutdown. The program is especially timely, as many families are struggling with food insecurity just as holiday expenses begin to mount.

“Virginia is the first state in the nation providing direct nutritional assistance to SNAP recipients during this shutdown,” said Governor Youngkin. “But we know there are still thousands of families, including federal workers and newly eligible Virginians, who are struggling to make ends meet.”

The initiative will work in tandem with seven regional food banks, which will act as drop-off and distribution points for donated food and supplies. Virginians can visit the program’s sign-up page to find a list of most-needed items, drop-off locations, and ways to donate or volunteer. Financial contributions are also encouraged, with food banks able to stretch each dollar further through bulk purchasing power.

“With many Virginians feeling the strain of the federal shutdown, we’re stepping up once again to make sure no Virginian goes hungry,” said Janet V. Kelly, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. “Through the Virginia Cares Initiative, we’re coming together as neighbors to support working families, civilians who support our service branches, and public servants across the Commonwealth.”

While the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program has already provided critical aid, approximately 12,000 Virginians who recently qualified for SNAP are unable to access benefits due to the federal freeze. The Virginia Cares Initiative is designed to bridge that gap.

The campaign is supported by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, along with the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Agriculture and Forestry.

“Virginians take care of their own, and the Virginia Cares Initiative reflects that spirit of community and compassion,” said Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “By working closely with our regional food banks, we can help ensure that families impacted by the shutdown have access to the food and support they need.”

State officials say the need is urgent — and growing.

“Virginians are facing food insecurity due to the government shutdown,” said Ashley Traficant Ledwith, Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement. “But every time Virginians have faced a challenge, our neighbors across the Commonwealth step up to meet the moment. I am confident the Virginia Cares Initiative will demonstrate once again that the Spirit of Virginia is strong.”

Food banks across the state are already experiencing surging demand, made worse by the combination of rising costs and delayed assistance.

“Our food banks and network of 1,150 pantry partners are facing a perfect storm of challenges,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “We appreciate the continued support from the community as we work to connect every family with the nutrition they need to thrive.”

The Governor’s Office recently allocated $1 million in additional funding to assist food banks statewide, helping them meet the growing need.

To learn how to donate, volunteer, or host a food drive, Virginians are encouraged to visit the Virginia Cares Initiative Sign-Up Page. For details about the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program, visit dss.virginia.gov/VENA.