The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is hosting a mobile food distribution event Wednesday, Oct. 22, outside the Hampton Coliseum. The timing of this event comes as the government shutdown continues. The shutdown began on Oct. 1.

On Tuesday, Newport News Human Services posted on its social media that “the USDA has notified Virginia that November SNAP benefits cannot be issued at this time.” It went on to explain that this means November benefits are paused nationwide. Anyone with SNAP funds already loaded on their EBT card can continue to use those funds to purchase food. SNAP is the Supplemental Food Assistance Program.

WAVY reached out to Newport News Human Services and a spokesperson confirmed at this time, November SNAP benefits are not scheduled to go out. They do not know yet if they will be delayed or not issued at all. They are waiting for guidance from the federal and state governments, Leslie Baker said.

No new benefits will be loaded on the cards until the government reopens and funding is released.

SNAP provides funds for groceries to people living near or below the poverty line.

One in eight Americans reportedly rely on SNAP to buy food for themselves and their families.

Chris Tan, CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, estimated that they could see a minimum of a 30% to 40% increase in traffic at distributions if benefits do not get paid out.  

That’s because for every one meal the Foodbank provides, the Supplemental Food Assitance Program provides nine. According to Tan, about 80% of the people the Foodbank serves are already on SNAP, so he explained they’re gearing up for what might come.

“We’ve started to look at our food inventory,” Tan said. “We’re starting to look at the possibilities of where we can potentially send food if we see increases in the 227 partner agencies throughout our community.” 

Tan also wants those who might visit a foodbank for the first time to have patience, as they may have to deal with long lines. He also encourages people to use the Foodbank website to find the closest food distributer near them.   

“We know that our neighbors need to access food not in a central location, but in the places of throughout our community,” Tan said.  

Tan said that the three best ways to help right now are by donating, volunteering and advocating.   

“The Foodbank is certainly ready to serve,” Tan said. “We’re going to do our best as always. We have distributed record amounts of food over the past three years, for every year, over the last three years.”

The Hampton food distribution event at the Hampton Coliseum will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. Distribution will continue while supplies last. Organizers encourage you to arrive early.

The Mobile Food Pantry program provides food at one location once a month, per individual/family, according to the Foodbank.

Click here for more details on resources available from the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

Click here for additional information on resources from the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

A ‘Shutdown Relief’ food distribution event in Norfolk last week ended early because they ran out of food due to the high demand.

Find a Food Pantry

In addition to the mobile distribution events, the Foodbank also has food pantry locations. You can also find out more about the Foodbank, including information on where the closest pantry is and how to support them, on their website here.

If you have already been served at a mobile pantry for the month and need further food assistance, the Foodbank recommends you use the Pantry Locator tool on their website. You can enter a specific pantry name, city or zip code in the long white bar that says “Enter a Location.”

Community Pantry

You can also visit the Virginia Peninsula Food Hub at 3509 Chestnut Ave., Newport News during shopping hours for assistance:

• Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Thursday: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Friday : 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Emergency Food Assistance

Contact the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank at 757-596-7188 to set up an appointment.  Emergency food assistance hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., with appointments preferred. The Foodbank is closed on weekends and holidays, and the food hub is closed on Sundays and holidays.

You can find more information on how to support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank by visiting their website here.

The video above is coverage of last week’s ‘Shutdown Relief Mobile Distribution’ event in Norfolk.