TOP STORIES: VENA benefits paused, NC SNAP update, tentative deal to end the gov. shutdown

The Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program will be paused after federal officials announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be paid partially this week.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture directed states to issue 65% of monthly SNAP benefits in November. Virginia officials said that payment is expected to process by Thursday, Nov. 13, for more than 850,000 recipients. Earlier this month, Virginia provided 25% of typical November benefits through VENA to prevent gaps in aid; with the new federal payment, households will receive a combined 90% of a normal month’s benefits.

“Our top priority has been to ensure that every Virginian facing food insecu

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