Read Full Article in AXIOS Richmond
Around 50,000 Virginians are at risk of losing at least some of their food assistance as a result of President Trump’s megabill signed into law last week, per estimates from the left-leaning Center on Policy and Budget Priorities.
Why it matters: The loss of those benefits will likely push more Virginians to food banks, which are already facing record-high demand and the loss of millions in federal funding.
- “It’s going to be impossible for food banks to fill the gap,” says Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
The big picture: The new law introduces several key changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps).
- Work requirements will now apply to most parents with children age 14 or older, requiring them to work at least 20 hours per week to maintain benefits.
- Age limits for work requirements rise to 64 (up from 54).
- Eligibility is removed for certain immigrant groups, including refugees and people granted asylum.
- State funding obligations will increase starting in 2028, with states covering a portion of benefit costs based on their rate of erroneous payments. Currently, benefits are 100% federally funded, though states share administrative costs.
With the new split, beginning in 2028, Virginia will have to come up with an estimated $250 million a year in administrative costs for SNAP, Oliver tells Axios.