A prolonged government shutdown could make it harder for Virginians to access food assistance programs, and food banks said they’re already stretched thin.
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, which represents seven regional Feeding America food banks, already saw a 20% increase in pantry visits last year amid high grocery prices and rising living costs — a strain now worsened by the federal shutdown that’s left many government workers without pay.
“We're going to have a hard time meeting any additional demand that comes to our network as a result of the shutdown,” said Eddie Oliver, executive director at the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
If the shutdown continues into November, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, could be paused. That would affect more than 800,000 Virginians who rely on the federal benefits each month.
Health experts warn that the consequences go beyond hunger. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and leave the body vulnerable, especially for pregnant women and children.
Gale Pearson, a registered dietitian who practices in Newport News, Suffolk and Williamsburg, said the body needs a steady intake of fiber, protein and calories each day.
“If there’s food insecurity, it affects everything in your body,” Pearson said.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia serves a 4,700-square-mile area through 227 partner agencies in Hampton Roads. Over the past three years, it has increased food distribution by 46%, even as many food banks nationwide saw declines.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Tan said the region’s strong military presence is both a blessing and a challenge. Approximately 10% of the local workforce is tied to the federal government, and many contractors and civilian workers have not been paid because of the shutdown, adding additional strain to the food network.
“We know that no matter what we can prepare for and how well we do, we cannot replace SNAP,” Tan said. “While we certainly are preparing for the worst and we will do our best, we also know that we don't have enough food in the charitable food system to make up the difference.”
Last week, the food bank held a shutdown relief mobile distribution to help families facing food shortages.
Tan said more than 600 cars lined up before the event even began.
“I hope this reminds our policymakers that the shutdown is about more than politics,” Tan said. “There are people who are struggling and deeply worried about their future.”
Rising food prices and layoffs are only part of the challenge. Oliver said many Virginians still face physical barriers to accessing nutritious meals.
“Some families in rural communities may live 20 to 30 miles from the nearest grocery store,” he said. “Even in cities, it can take more than an hour by public transportation to buy groceries.”
Data shows about one in eight Virginians — more than a million people — face hunger, with a statewide food insecurity rate of 12.1%.
One in seven children are affected, and Black and Hispanic households are more than twice as likely to face food insecurity as white households.
At the time of publication, the Virginia Department of Social Services had not responded to WHRO’s request for comment.
