Here is where to find assistance
By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Fluvanna County residents who rely on SNAP benefits could face delays in receiving their monthly payments if the ongoing federal government shutdown extends past Nov. 1.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families and individuals buy groceries. In Virginia, the average individual payment is about $232; families with children average $575 per month.
Previous shutdowns have rarely disrupted SNAP payments because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program, typically uses a contingency fund to keep it running. This time, however, the USDA has said it will not tap into that fund during the current shutdown.
In response, states have begun developing their own emergency plans. Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Oct. 23, allowing Virginia to access emergency funds if needed to protect the health and safety of residents.
About 828,000 Virginians—roughly 9.4 percent of the state’s population—receive SNAP benefits, including approximately 1,750 residents in Fluvanna County, according to the most recent data.
How to Find Assistance
Residents in need of food assistance can call the state’s information hotline at 211 to find local resources.
Fluvanna County currently has two major food pantries:
MACAA Food Pantry at Carysbrook, 8878 James Madison Highway in Fork Union. Open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FLRD Community Food Pantry, located in the Fluvanna County Public Schools Administration Building, 14455 James Madison Highway in Palmyra. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you would like to support the pantries, both organizations accept cash donations and nonperishable food items. Visit https://fluvannalrd.org/community-food-pantry or https://www.macaa.org/foodpantry for more information.
