Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Update– Oct. 30, 2025
Due to the federal shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Arlington's Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue processing applications and renewals at this time, but no benefits will be issued by the USDA to new applicants during the shutdown. The Commonwealth of Virginia has announced Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance, which is expected to provide pro-rated weekly benefits to eligible households (current SNAP recipients) starting in November. More information on VENA is available here: .
Arlington County has approved emergency funding to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). AFAC will expand its food distribution capacity to help meet increased community need.
Arlington County will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. A continued federal shutdown may also impact other federally funded public assistance programs. For food assistance now, call 703-228-1300 or visit the DHS Food Assistance web page. Thank you.
Programs
Initiatives
https://arlington.admin.opencities.com/SCControls/SCWYSYWIGManager.aspx?dataDefinitionId=11636127-a3e0-4485-b0a9-143f9ed36a0a&contentVersionId=36a251ea-1f4c-4eab-b423-992e85159257&contentId=c00dbe1f-d8f5-43ce-9622-4d83cc0afab0&languageCode=&rowId=undefined&editable=undefined#
About the Department of Human Services
The Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) works to advance economic security, safety, and general well-being. Our vision is a just and equitable community that is healthy, safe, and economically secure, and free of systemic racism.
DHS is the County’s largest department, serving more than 58,000 individuals annually with a budget of over $183 million, about 800 employees, and more than 100 programs. DHS is well-equipped to address the complex needs of at-risk persons and their families because it is an integrated agency that houses public assistance, social services, behavioral healthcare, housing, public health, child & family services, aging & disability services, and job programs under one department. DHS oversees and evaluates the complete range of human needs in the County, provides direct services in response to those needs, and contracts with the non-profit sector to provide additional services to those not met directly by the County.