As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, local agencies and community resource partners are working to shore up support for area residents who will be impacted by the lack of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The program, which provides food assistance to more than 9,000 people in Shenandoah and Warren counties, has not been funded for November.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that due to the halt in federal funding, benefits provided through the program will not be issued. Nationally, the lack of funding potentially impacts about 42 million Americans who receive SNAP benefits.

“The loss of SNAP benefits could impact nearly 5,000 individuals in our community,” said Beth DeLullo, director of

See Full Page