Twelve other states have already requested and received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for pilot programs restricting certain food purchases.

"We know we're dealing with is just a massive, massive circumstance of unhealthy kids across Virginia and America," Youngkin said. "And so, I do believe that this warrants great study and we're in the middle of giving it in a very focused review. Because, I do think that if we can make sure that our students have healthy diets, and particularly those students that are receiving support because they need a healthy diet and nutrition, let's make sure they get it."

SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families, with more than 863,000 Virginians, roughly 10% of the population, enrolled in the program in July 2025.

A USDA spokesp

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