RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency, saying the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens November SNAP benefits for more than 850,000 Virginians.

"If it wasn’t for my church that pays half my rent, I’d be homeless," said Terrie Martin, a 10-year resident of Guardian Place Apartments. "SNAP helps me get the things I need."

Martin is one of the roughly 854,000 Virginians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal initiative that provides monthly food assistance to low-income households.

She said losing those benefits would force her to make impossible choices, like paying rent or buying food.

"Well, I mean… it’s going to be rent," Martin said.

Staff attorney Majesta-Doré Legnini, who works in the Health, Justice

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