FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northampton County Public Schools
Machipongo, VA 23405
757-678-5151
October 29, 2025
NCPS Update: SNAP Benefits, VENA, & Local Food Support in Northampton County
MACHIPONGO, VA – We want to keep you informed about a developing situation that may affect many households in our community: due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, there is a risk of disruption to SNAP benefits — a vital resource used by many families for food assistance.
What is happening
SNAP is a federally funded program administered by states to help eligible households purchase food.
Because Congress has not approved new appropriations for specific federal benefit programs, including SNAP, they may not be issued as usual in November 2025 if the shutdown continues.
In response, the Commonwealth of Virginia, under the leadership of Governor Glenn Youngkin, has declared a state of emergency to allow the state to use emergency funds to maintain food assistance services for impacted households.
What this means for you
If you currently receive SNAP benefits, your October benefits have been distributed as expected and are not affected at the moment.
For November, unless the federal shutdown is resolved, benefits may be delayed or paused. This could mean a temporary reduction in your food budget. Virginia’s emergency plan is intended as a stopgap, but it may not be a long-term solution.
Because this is a fluid situation, we strongly encourage families to plan, consider how to stretch resources, and identify local food assistance supports now.
Check out these Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), a state program designed to provide emergency food assistance during times of crisis like the current federal government shutdown. These FAQs will help you understand how VENA works and how you can access it.
What to do now
Monitor your SNAP account and benefit disbursements.
Contact your local Department of Social Services for updates or to ask questions about your benefit status.
Stay connected with official communications from the Commonwealth and from local agencies for confirmed updates and action steps. We are committed to keeping everyone informed and included as we navigate this situation together.
Look into community food resources and local food banks, like the Eastern Shore Branch Food Bank. Many agencies are preparing for increased demand.
Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore Contact
Eastern Shore Branch, Tasley: 757-787-2557
Main Office, Norfolk: 757-627-6599
Eastern Shore Food Bank Distribution Days and Locations in Northampton County
Northampton County Public Schools’ role
While our school division does not manage SNAP benefits, we are committed to supporting our families. If you anticipate a short-term need for additional food assistance, please reach out to your child’s school social worker or counselor. We can help connect you with community resources and local food networks.
Thank you for your attention to this important update. We understand the challenges many families are facing, and we are here to support you. As we learn more, we will share reliable updates to keep you informed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family needs assistance or guidance.
Educationally Yours;
Lisa L. Martin, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Northampton County Public Schools
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