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Update about SNAP, VENA, and Food Resources

Posted Date: 10/30/25 (4:49 PM)
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Food Resources for Families

Updates about SNAP and VENA, Plus Additional Resources

Charlottesville Schools Family and Community Engagement Logo
Dear Cville Schools Families --

Virginia has released additional information about the state program -- called VENA -- that will temporarily replace SNAP if the Federal government shut-down continues.

About VENA
The Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program will supply benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025.

Under VENA, 25% of a customer's monthly benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, so that in the event the shutdown ends sometime during November, normal distributions from the federal government will resume. Starting Monday, November 3, the following will take effect for SNAP customers:
  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.
  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.
  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.

Virginia is the first state in the nation to use state funds to deliver food assistance to SNAP customers. The state of emergency allows the Governor to use these funds to protect the health, welfare, and safety of Virginians.

More Information
More information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, is available on the Virginia Department of Social Service's VENA webpage.

Thanks for Helping the Emergency Food Network

Thanks to so many of you for volunteering to help The Emergency Food Network get ready for its Charlottesville City Schools Fall Break Bagging Event. Their volunteer slots filled up quickly after we sent out the call for help.

Food Resources at School

Reminder: Breakfast and Lunch Are Free for All Students


All Cville Schools students can receive free breakfast and lunch at school (no application needed). We offer salads to offer choices for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian students. Out of respect for Jewish and Muslim students, no pork products are used. All meals and serving sizes follow USDA guidelines.

For Charlottesville Middle School Families Only: Free Food and Snacks Through the Young Knights Market

For CMS students and families needing food support, the Young Knights Market offers monthly distribution of shelf stable food and pop-ups with fresh produce at school events! The Young Knights Market is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Charlottesville City Schools.

Free Meals for Students After School

Healthy Meals on Select Weekdays at Connect Sites

The City of Charlottesville's three "Connect" facilities offer complimentary, healthy meals several times a week after school for CCS students K-12.
Connect sites also offer activities including educational enrichment, arts and crafts, games, sports, field trips, special events, and more, all under the supervision of the Site Supervisor.

Greenstone on 5th
746 Prospect Ave | (434) 220-3704
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Herman Key, Jr Recreation Center
800 E. Market Street | (434) 970-3047
Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

City of Promise Tenth Street Warehouse
134 10th Street, NW | (434) 970-3086
Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

State/Federal Food Resources

Virginia Department of Social Services Logo (V in blue circle)

Virginia Department of Social Services

Apply or Renew for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other benefits (Fuel Assistance/Child Care Services) through the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Charlottesville City Logo - Virginia 1762

Charlottesville Social Services

For other needs, call 970-3400 (Charlottesville). Offices are open to the public.

  • In Person: 120 7th Street NE, Charlottesville Applications are accepted between 8am and 5pm, but intake interviews are by appointment only. Call 434-970-3400 to schedule an appointment.
  • By Mail: Charlottesville Department of Social Services (CDSS) P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Local Community Food Resources

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Finder

Find free food options in our area using the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Food Finder. Click on the link, then type in your zip code to see resources in our area, along with hours, addresses, phone numbers, etc. It’s best to call before you go in case anything has changed.

  • Link for the Food Finder
  • You can also call the food bank’s main phone (540) 248-3663 for assistance.

Emergency Food Network (now open Saturdays)

Residents of Charlottesville or Albemarle County can receive a multi-day supply of food for their family once a month from the Emergency Food Network. 

Call (434) 979-9180 between 9am-12pm on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday.

Pick up your order on the same day at their distribution site at 900 Harris St. between 1:30 and 3:30pm.

Loaves and Fishes

Loaves & Fishes can provide a household with groceries two times each month. Each time someone visits Loaves & Fishes, they will receive a grocery cart (about 100 pounds) of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries, and dessert, milk, eggs, frozen meat, and a variety of canned and dried fruits, canned vegetables, and other shelf-stable foods like oil, cereal, pasta, and rice.

How to Receive Other Help in Charlottesville

More Food and Baby Formula Resources

The Blue Ridge Health District and the Virginia Department of Health have also created a list of local resources for free food and formula.

Other Resources in our Area

This "Street Sheet" provides information about other ways to receive assistance in many areas such as food, transportation, or mental health.

A resource sheet lists services in Charlottesville/Albemarle, with contact info.
 
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