Region steps up to protect food access during federal shutdown

As a federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1st, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County have partnered with Feed More to keep food flowing to families who depend on the program.

The regional initiative will contribute more than $200,000 to Feed More, Central Virginia’s primary food bank, which supports a network of 380 partner agencies. The funding will be used to purchase additional food, expand distribution within existing pantries, and direct resources to areas with the highest need.

Feed More President and CEO Dennis Hatchett said the organization is “ready to answer the call” to ensure children and families across the region maintain access to essential nutrition.

Residents can locate nearby food pantries by visiting feedmore.org.

How residents can help

Officials encouraged the public to contribute in several ways:

• Donate money: Monetary donations made through Feed More’s website will directly support emergency food distribution.

• Volunteer: The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond will coordinate volunteer opportunities in the coming days.

• Donate food: Feed More will also accept food donations; information about what items are most needed is available on its website.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said he’s proud of the region’s unified response. “When challenges like this arise, we come together to make sure every family has food on the table,” Avula said.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Ingle and Henrico County Vice Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that public and nonprofit collaboration is critical to helping residents weather the shutdown’s impact.