The King George County Department of Social Services (DSS) is issuing this urgent public notice to inform all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients of the high probability of a delay or interruption in benefit issuance for November 2025 should the current federal government shutdown continue.
Current Situation
Federal funding for SNAP is dependent on an appropriation bill from the U.S. Congress. Since the new federal fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, a government shutdown has been in effect.
- October SNAP benefits were funded prior to the shutdown and have been or will be issued on their normal schedule.
- November SNAP benefits require federal approval and disbursement of funds to the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instructed states, including Virginia, not to submit electronic files for November benefits at this time.
What This Means for You
If the government shutdown continues beyond the critical mid-October deadline, your November SNAP benefits will be delayed or may not be issued at all. Therefore, King George County DSS cannot guarantee the availability or issuance date of your November SNAP benefits.
Crucial Note for New Applicants
Applicants who filed for SNAP benefits on or after October 16, 2025, and are approved for expedited benefits, will only receive a pro-rated amount for October. They will not receive November benefits until federal funding is secured.
What You Should Do Now
DSS understands the hardship this creates and urges SNAP recipients to take the following steps immediately to prepare their households:
Conserve Your Current Benefits
Wisely use remaining October SNAP benefits and any household funds available. Prioritize essential, non-perishable food items. Visit MyPlate.gov for tools and recipes to help stretch SNAP-eligible ingredients.Monitor Official Communications
Check official King George County channels daily for updates. This situation is extremely fluid and can change at any time.Explore Community Food Resources
King George County DSS is actively working with local partners. If you need food assistance, please use the following resources:
- Contact 2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local human service resources. - Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
The food bank helps provide nutritious food to people through its network of community partners, which includes King George.- Website
fredfood.org - FredFoodVA App (available on the App Store and Google Play)
Find an up-to-date Food Pantry Locator Map and the Mobile Pantry Schedule for our region. - Food Bank Location
3631 Lee Hill Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 - Order Ahead
orderahead.org
- Love Thy Neighbor
The community food pantry provides nutritious food and essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity in King George.- Website
kgfood.org - Food Pantry Location
10250 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485
- KG Community Connect
Trick or treat with nearly 20 community resource partners on Oct. 29 from 5-6 p.m. and learn more about opportunities available to you at the Revercomb Administration Building (10459 Courthouse Drive).
King George County DSS Offices Remain Open
The county and state SNAP offices remain open and will continue to process applications and recertifications for October benefits. However, the processing and approval of any new or ongoing cases for November benefits are fully dependent on federal government action.
DSS appreciates your patience during this challenge and will share updates as soon as new information becomes available.
How the Public Can Help
We invite anyone who is able to support neighbors in need to consider donating food or money to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank or a local King George food pantry. Every $1 donated to the Food Bank provides approximately two meals to people in our community.
To Donate or Volunteer
Visit FredFood.org or call (540) 371-7666.