Dear ,

The federal government shutdown has put SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding on the chopping block, with a potential cutoff looming in November. If this happens, nearly 850,000 Virginians across 445,000 families could lose critical food assistance virtually overnight. 

Food pantries across the Commonwealth are sounding the alarm. Recent furloughs and layoffs have driven demand through the roof. Some pantries report serving twice as many families as they did last year. Our community support systems are stretched to the breaking point, and without SNAP funding, they simply cannot fill the gap alone. 

The Virginia Department of Social Services has made an urgent appeal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for immediate assistance. While we wait for federal action, our communities need us now more than ever. 

How You Can Make a Difference Today 

• Stay Connected & Informed - Sign up for updates from your local food bank to receive real-time information about critical needs and volunteer opportunities. 

• Organize a Food Drive - Rally your congregation, workplace, or neighborhood to collect non-perishable items. Even small drives make a real difference when every pantry is struggling. 

• Coordinate Community Meal Programs - Connect with other faith communities and organizations in your area. While Thanksgiving meals are vital, spreading meal programs throughout the month and the year creates sustainable support for families in crisis. 

• Give What You Can - Financial donations allow food banks to purchase exactly what's needed and stretch every dollar further through bulk purchasing power. No amount is too small. 

• Use Your Voice - Contact your representatives in Congress and let them know that Virginia families need SNAP funding restored immediately. 

This crisis demands all of us. Together, we can ensure no family in our community goes hungry. We'll continue sharing updates as the situation develops. And remember: VOTE EARLY to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most. 

Yours in Solidarity, 
Keisha 

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director 

Join us for two powerful days of community, music, and civic engagement as we come together in faith and action to celebrate the right to vote!

• Saturday, October 25, 2025,11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  City Hall – 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA
  
  
• Saturday, November 1, 2025,11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  Hickory Hill Community Center – 3000 East Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA
  OR
  Office of Elections – 2134 West Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA

Join us at Centenary United Methodist Church (411 E Grace St, Richmond, VA) for our annual Day for All People! This full-day advocacy event brings together communities of faith and justice from across Virginia to meet with legislators and speak out on key issues like environmental justice, affordable housing, health care, and higher education in prison.

Interested in sponsoring the event as an individual or organization? Email our Devlopment Manager, Tania, to learn more and request a sponsorship packet. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to make your voice heard!

This video underscores the vital importance of making a plan to vote early in Virginia. With so much at stake, faith communities have a powerful role to play in ensuring their members are informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process. Please share this video with your congregation to help spread the message: early voting is easy, accessible, and essential. Let’s make sure every voice is heard!

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic,
racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.