Federation of Virginia Food Banks

03/31/2026

The SNAP food restriction waiver previously scheduled to take effect April 1, 2026, has been delayed to October 1, 2026. There will be no new limits on the use of SNAP benefits for sweetened beverages until the new effective date.

We are committed to keeping you informed and will continue to share updates and guidance with customers and retailers as new information becomes available.

09/24/2025

Across the country, food banks and community partners are stepping up to meet record levels of need.

While food aid cuts present real challenges, this moment also offers an opportunity to reimagine what sustainable hunger relief can look like with strong federal and local collaboration.

This Grist article underscores why continued investment in emergency food systems is so critical, and how powerful the impact can be when communities, nonprofits, and public agencies work together.

Read more:

The USDA’s decision to cut $1 billion worth of food aid is causing layoffs, supply shortfalls, and the end of donations at charitable groups across the country — all as hunger continues to climb.

09/16/2025

Food is Medicine is gaining national momentum. But as this Health Affairs article reminds us, the path forward must include lessons from what works, especially SNAP.

This analysis highlights how federal nutrition programs reach scale, meet people where they are, and reduce stigma. These are core strengths that Food is Medicine efforts can adopt as they grow.

Food banks are ready partners in this work, combining clinical collaboration with deep community roots.

Read the article: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/pdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01427

09/12/2025

Hospital “food pharmacies” are quietly stepping up right here in Central Virginia. UVA Health and Sentara provide nutritious food to patients in need. Distribution has increased from 26 to nearly 40 bags monthly. Patients often rely on this program to bridge gaps in access, especially those on fixed incomes or living in rural areas.

These efforts are critical. Let’s support community-wide access to food and health.

In Charlottesville, UVA Health and Sentara Martha Jefferson have Food Pharmacies.

09/03/2025

Food insecurity and childhood obesity are often seen as separate issues. In reality, they are deeply connected.

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth explores how limited access to nutritious food can result in long-term health challenges for children and families.

As food banks, we are working every day to bridge the nutrition gap with fresh produce, culturally appropriate groceries, and food education. This work is essential for a healthier future.

Read the full article: https://www.vfhy.org/deep-rooted-the-connection-between-food-insecurity-and-childhood-obesity/

4 Minute Read Open any newspaper or news website and it’s clear: Americans are struggling under historic inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has directly led to rising food insecurity. As the price of food and other essential goods and services increase, many people are forced to make...

08/26/2025

New at UVA Health!

Dialysis centers now offer a Dialysis Food Pharmacy with free, kidney-friendly groceries and nutrition counseling! In just a few years, the program has delivered over 125,000 lbs of healthy food to over 450 patients. As Nutrition Manager Lesley McPhatter says, “We’re leading the way with our focus on addressing food insecurity within UVA Health Dialysis…”

Thank you to supporters sustaining this vital program!

The health system has expanded its Dialysis Food Pharmacy Program to all of its dialysis centers.

08/21/2025

SNAP update for Virginia residents.

A new federal reconciliation law is shifting administrative costs of SNAP onto Virginia, jeopardizing food assistance for thousands. As our Executive Director Eddie Oliver warns, “It’s going to be impossible for food banks to fill the gap.”

We urge policymakers to act swiftly to preserve access to nutrition for families across the Commonwealth.

Read more below.

The Youngkin administration is targeting the food assistance program's benefits error rate to try to avoid paying a $270 million penalty.

08/12/2025

Many older Americans are finding food costs increasingly stressful. For some, like Esther Bland of Washington, local food banks make the difference between worry and relief. She depends on Social Security and disability payments, and without food assistance, “groceries would absolutely be a major source of stress.

A new poll finds the vast majority of U.S. adults are feeling some stress about the cost of groceries, as prices continue to rise and concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs remain widespread.

08/06/2025

We are excited to welcome Kari Jorgensen Diener as the new CEO of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. With her experience and passion for service, we look forward to her leadership in expanding food access.

Meet Kari Jorgensen Diener, new CEO of the Food Bank, bringing global experience and a lifelong commitment to service and community.

07/10/2025

The Virginia Department of Social Services is currently accepting applications for Virginia SUN Bucks 2025.

Families can print and mail applications by August 30 or by calling the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free), Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. until August 15.

Learn more at VirginiaSUNBucks.com.

07/03/2025

Time is running out. Tell your representatives we need to protect our neighbors. In some communities, nearly 50% of children face food insecurity, 85% of the most food-insecure counties are rural, and the number of food-insecure seniors continues to grow.

Take action: https://bit.ly/3ZUkLlB

Call: 1-800-708-8229