RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) declared a state of emergency on Thursday, authorizing the release of funds to help provide hunger relief for Virginia residents who may be impacted by any interruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to a release put out by his office.
In the release, Youngkin called on Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, to join GOP lawmakers in passing a funding bill to end the government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats have pinned the blame on the other party for the ongoing federal government shutdown, which reached day 23 on Thursday.
“This is an extraordinary action and is only necessary because of the shamelessness of Congressional Democrats – including every Democrat in our entire delegation- who refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the Federal government," Youngkin said. "I once again call on Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to end this nonsense and vote to pass a clean CR.”
Watch related coverage: Democrats push for meeting with Trump as government shutdown becomes the second-longest in U.S. history
Kaine said he supported Youngkin's move to declare a state of emergency during his weekly call with reporters; however, he added that this issue should bring both parties to the negotiating table.
“This is one of the things that should put pressure on all of us to find a government funding bill that does not punish SNAP recipients, [that] doesn’t punish the farmers that also benefit from a robust SNAP program,” Kaine said.
Food banks across Virginia are bracing for a possible increase in demand as the government shutdown continues. They are preparing for a potential disruption in funding to SNAP, which could leave many families without crucial food assistance come Nov. 1.
Watch related coverage: Virginia Peninsula Food Bank preparing for increased demand ahead of possible SNAP benefits delay
SNAP provides food assistance to 40 million low-income Americans and over 850,000 Virginians, but state officials say its funding could be at risk if the shutdown persists. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified state agencies — including those in Virginia — of possible disruptions to SNAP distribution if the Senate remains gridlocked.
The pressure is being felt by local SNAP recipients as the potential for benefit disruptions looms.
"This is really a very stressful moment in my time because now, what do I do?" said Tawana Kingsberry, a SNAP recipient. "How do I feed my kids?"
The Virginia Peninsula Food Bank in Hampton reported efforts to order extra supplies in anticipation of increased demand. The organization says they serve roughly 187,000 people in the region who rely on SNAP assistance.
Another local organization preparing for a potential surge in demand is Thrive Peninsula, a free grocery store that serves families struggling with food insecurity. Roughly 60,000 people in Thrive Peninsula's service area are enrolled in SNAP.
Angela York, the organization's executive director, told News 3's Kelsey Jones on Thursday the timing couldn't be worse.
"Right now, we're serving between 290 and 300 families per week and we're seeing how can we serve 325, how can we serve even more than that, just expecting the demand to skyrocket," said York. "It puts pressure on agencies like us, it puts pressure on families, it puts pressure on all the systems."
As a nonprofit, Thrive depends on donations, but organizers say sometimes, they have to pay for inventory out-of-pocket due to high demand and low stock. The organization is also trying to provide rent assistance to federal government workers who are furloughed amid the shutdown — adding to the mounting pressure.
During News 3's "Let's Talk" event in Newport News Wednesday, Mayor Phillip Jones told Kelsey he's worried about families losing food assistance. To help with donations, the city plans to assist Thrive Peninsula so they can continue to help community members who depend on them. You can help donate to Thrive by clicking here.
