Arlington County Assists SNAP Households Amid Ongoing Federal Shutdown
Published on October 30, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington County is taking proactive steps to support residents who may be negatively impacted by a potential disruption in November of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The federal shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, is expected to result in delayed or unissued federal SNAP benefits for November. SNAP is a federally funded program administered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and managed locally by Arlington’s Department of Human Services. Because funding is determined at the federal level, Arlington County does not control when or how benefits are issued. While federal benefits will not be issued during the shutdown, the Commonwealth has announced that pro-rated weekly benefits will be provided to eligible households through state-administered resources, beginning in November. The Commonwealth will communicate directly with SNAP recipients regarding benefit distribution, and Arlington County will amplify those messages through local channels. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website.
To help bridge the gap between pro-rated state-issued benefits and household needs, and in anticipation of potential continued disruptions, Arlington County has approved a one-time, emergency allocation of $350,000 to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This emergency funding will allow AFAC to increase its capacity to serve additional SNAP-affected households in November and to boost AFAC’s overall capacity for the remainder of this fiscal year.
"Food security is a fundamental need, and we are committed to ensuring that no Arlington community member goes without essential support during this uncertain time," said Anita Friedman, Director of the Arlington County Department of Human Services. "This emergency funding reflects our values and our responsibility to care for our community."
DHS will work directly with members of households currently receiving SNAP benefits to make AFAC referrals for those not already enrolled. A list of AFAC distribution sites is available on the AFAC website.
While this emergency allocation is designated specifically to support current SNAP households, Arlington County recognizes that the ongoing federal shutdown has increased the need for food assistance and other essential resources across the community.
"We know that the effects of the federal shutdown extend well beyond current SNAP households, and many in our community are feeling the strain," said Takis Karantonis, Arlington County Board Chair. "Arlington County remains committed to standing with our neighbors during this time and connecting them to the resources they need."
Individuals and families in need of support are encouraged to visit the Food Assistance and Free Food Resources page of the DHS website, as well as the County’s Federal Government Shutdown Resources page for information. Arlingtonians may also call DHS at 703-228-1350 for additional Public Assistance resources and support.
About the Department of Human Services
The Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) works to advance economic security, safety, and general well-being. The 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 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.