Virginia Food Resources & Support

Many Virginia families are facing uncertainty about how to put food on the table. This page was created to help connect you with local and statewide food resources, emergency programs, and reliable information. Whether you’re looking for free meals, food pantries, grocery savings, kitchen supplies, nutrition education, or healthy recipes, these resources can help stretch your food budget and support access to nutritious meals.

If you know someone struggling with food access, please share this page – together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.

1. SNAP Information & How to Sign Up

SNAP benefits are now active again in Virginia. If you need help accessing food assistance, you can apply anytime through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

Apply for SNAP or check your eligibility here

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to help individuals and families purchase groceries. If you were already enrolled, your regular benefits will continue.

The VDSS website also includes information about eligibility, required documents, and how to manage your case online.

2. Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) – Double Your SNAP Dollars

The Virginia Fresh Match program doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent on fresh, local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and stores.

This November, VFM is running a Harvest Special:

• Get $20 in free fruits and vegetables when you shop at participating farmers markets (no matter what you spend—even if your SNAP balance is $0).
• From November 19–26, get 75% off all produce at participating grocery stores.
  No registration is required—just bring your SNAP/EBT card to a participating location (marked with an orange icon on the VFM map).

For help finding a nearby site, visit Virginia Fresh Match Map
or email info@virginiafreshmatch.org

3. Find Food Near You

Use these statewide directories to locate nearby food banks and pantries:

• Virginia Food Banks: Find your nearest regional food bank or community pantry.
• The Virginia Food Bank Locator, on the Federation of Virginia Food Banks website, will help locate local food banks and pantries that serve your area. Click here to access the map, then hover over your area on the map, click “Find Food” and a local list will be provided.

4. Additional Community Assistance

If your household needs help with housing, bills, childcare, or transportation, visit findhelp.org or dial 2-1-1 Virginia.

You can also text CONNECT to 247211 for direct links to local support services.

5. Support for Families with Children

Schools continue to provide free or reduced-price meals during closures and financial hardship. Contact your child’s school nutrition director or visit your local district’s website for meal distribution information.

6. Healthy Eating and Budget-Friendly Recipes

Explore free resources to make affordable, nutritious meals at home:

• Eat Smart, Move More VA – Build Your Own Recipes: Create simple, low-cost meals using ingredients you already have.

7. Understanding Food Insecurity in Virginia

This recorded webinar provides an overview of the rising concerns around food insecurity across the state. It highlights recent trends, key challenges affecting Virginia families, and the ongoing work being done through community programs and state resources. Viewers will gain a clearer understanding of the factors driving food insecurity and the support available to households in need.

▶ Watch the Webinar

📄 Download the Webinar Slides (PDF)

8. Learn and Receive Free Kitchen Supplies in the Mail

Visit the website below to get started:

• MyPlate Learning Program
• Learn about the MyPlate Learning Program here
• Instructions to login and register

Virginia communities are strongest when we look out for one another. If you’re able, share this page with friends, neighbors, or anyone who may need extra support during the shutdown. You can also contact your local food bank to volunteer or donate – every action helps keep food on the table for families across our state.

Check back here for updates on programs like Virginia Fresh Match, VENA, and other community food initiatives as new information becomes available.