November 2025 SNAP Benefits: Important Information for Norfolk Residents

NORFOLK, Va. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that November 2025 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits cannot be issued at this time due to the federal government shutdown. This nationwide issue is affecting all SNAP recipients and households and cannot be appealed.

In response, Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency and launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) effort to help Virginians maintain access to food during this crisis.

The City of Norfolk and Norfolk Department of Human Services are working closely with state and local partners to keep residents informed and supported.

What Norfolk Residents Need to Know

• VENA benefits will be issued weekly instead of monthly.
• Eligible households will receive weekly emergency allotments equal to 25 percent of their usual SNAP benefit.

• Funds will be automatically loaded onto existing EBT cards. No application is required.
• Emergency benefit schedule:

• Weekly disbursements will continue through November or until the federal shutdown ends.
• Any remaining SNAP funds must be spent before VENA funding can be accessed.
• EBT Card Protection: Use the lock/unlock feature, avoid self-checkout when possible and only unlock EBT cards when using it. Be sure to lock EBT cards after checkout. Learn more about EBT security.

Local Assistance

Residents are encouraged to contact the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore at www.foodbankonline.org for emergency food resources and assistance.

Stay Updated

For updates, visit www.norfolk.gov/HumanServices and follow City of Norfolk VA on Facebook. Residents are also encouraged to sign up to receive Norfolk Alerts via call, text and/or email. Sign up at www.norfolk.gov/alert.