Virginia Food Stamp Program

In 2003, in partnership with the Virginia Departments of Social Services, Health, Aging, and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Federation launched a 3-year USDA grant initiative to increase community outreach and awareness in order to bolster participation in the federal Food Stamp, WIC, and commodities nutrition programs. This effort was designed to streamline processes and eliminate many of the barriers that prevent eligible persons from applying for benefits. As a result of this grant, many of our member agencies and all of our food bank locations can now assist in signing up those who might be eligible for Food Stamps and other government programs via an on-line application process. In a little over a year, there has been over a 26% increase in people applying for assistance because the resources are now readily available. In addition, a group known as VNAN (Virginia Nutrition Assistance Network) was formed as a result of this grant and now brings many like minded organizations together on a quarterly basis to discuss how we can work in partnership to feed our communities. Click here to find the Virginia Food Stamp office near you.