SNAP participation plunges across Central Virginia
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More than 100,000 fewer Virginians are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits than a year ago, per state data.
Why it matters: Food prices have been on the rise, and food banks are rushing to meet rising demand to fill in the gaps.
By the numbers: In June 2025, about 867,000 Virginians received SNAP benefits, according to Virginia Department of Social Services data.
- By June 2026, that had fallen to about 749,000, a decline of nearly 14%.
- Central Virginia saw an even steeper drop, with participation down by just over 15%.
Catch up quick: President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, cut SNAP funding, expanded work requirements and shifted more program costs to states in some cases.
- The White House and congressional Republicans said the changes would reduce fraud, encourage work and curb dependence on government assistance.
Yes, but: Food banks and humanitarian groups argued the changes would push more people to already strained food pantries.
- Early signs suggest they have. Since July 2025, Feed More — the umbrella organization for Central Virginia food banks — has seen a 22.4% increase in visits to local food pantries, Feed More's Aaron McClung tells Axios.
- The SNAP changes aren't the only driver. Increasing food, fuel and household costs are also contributing to more families in need, he says.
- But SNAP is "the nation's most effective, dignified and scalable tool for reducing food insecurity," he adds.
What they're saying: "Community organizations work incredibly hard to fill in these gaps, but charitable food assistance was never designed to replace SNAP," says Jacqueline Mott, Virginia state manager for the Save the Children Action Network.
Zoom in: In Central Virginia, Henrico saw the largest numerical decline in SNAP recipients between June 2025 and June 2026, per state data. About 6,780 fewer residents got benefits, an 18% drop.
- Powhatan saw the steepest percentage decline — down 19.5% (292 people).
- In Chesterfield, 5,469 residents lost benefits (-17%), and 5,263 in Richmond (-13.7%).
What we're watching: Gov. Spanberger said last week she'll host community roundtables focused on how the state can help families affected by the SNAP changes.
What's next: More changes are coming this fall. The state's ban on using SNAP for soda and other sweetened carbonated beverages is slated to begin on Oct. 1.