Update about SNAP and Food Resources for Families (Plus a Way to Help)

Posted Date: 10/23/25 (6:44 PM)

Food Resources for Families

From Cville Schools Family & Community Engagement

Dear Cville Schools Families –

We know the Federal government shut-down has caused uncertainty about SNAP food benefits. Today, the state of Virginia announced that it is making emergency funds available to support families in November even if there is no Federal SNAP funding. We hope this is reassuring to you.

Please remember that all school meals will still be served free of charge to every student, ensuring they have breakfast and lunch while they're with us.

Even so, if you need additional support, here are some resources that are available to you, along with an opportunity to help.

Bianca Johnson

Family and Community Engagement Coordinator

Want to Help the Emergency Food Network?

A hand holds a brown paper bag with red handles, labeled 'Community Support'.

The Emergency Food Network is getting ready for its Charlottesville City Schools Fall Break Bagging Event, and they need volunteers to make this happen.

They have two events to pack grocery bags to help hundreds of Cville Schools families to make sure they have plenty to eat over the Thanksgiving holiday:

Friday, November 7, 2025 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Find event details and sign-up options here.

Food Resources at School

Illustration of banana, apple, sandwich with "Free School Meals Here"

Reminder: Breakfast and Lunch Are Free for All Students

All Cville Schools students can receive free breakfast and lunch at school (no application needed). We offer salads to offer choices for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian students. Out of respect for Jewish and Muslim students, no pork products are used. All meals and serving sizes follow USDA guidelines.

Find daily menus

Poster for Young Knights Market, offering free food and snacks.

For Charlottesville Middle School Families Only: Free Food and Snacks Through the Young Knights Market

For CMS students and families needing food support, the Young Knights Market offers monthly distribution of shelf stable food and pop-ups with fresh produce at school events! The Young Knights Market is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Charlottesville City Schools.

Sign up to receive Young Knights Market Food Support (CMS families only)

State/Federal Food Resources

Virginia Department of Social Services

Apply or Renew for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other benefits (Fuel Assistance/Child Care Services) through the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Go online at commonhelp.virginia.gov
Call 1-855-635-4370 to apply for benefits
Call 1-855-242-8282 to apply for Medicaid

Charlottesville Social Services

For other needs, call 970-3400 (Charlottesville). Offices are open to the public.

In Person: 120 7th Street NE, Charlottesville Applications are accepted between 8am and 5pm, but intake interviews are by appointment only. Call 434-970-3400 to schedule an appointment.
By Mail: Charlottesville Department of Social Services (CDSS) P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Local Community Food Resources

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Finder

Find free food options in our area using the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Food Finder. Click on the link, then type in your zip code to see resources in our area, along with hours, addresses, phone numbers, etc. It’s best to call before you go in case anything has changed.

Link for the Food Finder
You can also call the food bank’s main phone (540) 248-3663 for assistance.

Emergency Food Network (now open Saturdays)

Residents of Charlottesville or Albemarle County can receive a multi-day supply of food for their family once a month from the Emergency Food Network.

Call (434) 979-9180 between 9am-12pm on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday.

Pick up your order on the same day at their distribution site at 900 Harris St. between 1:30 and 3:30pm.

Loaves and Fishes

Loaves & Fishes can provide a household with groceries two times each month. Each time someone visits Loaves & Fishes, they will receive a grocery cart (about 100 pounds) of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries, and dessert, milk, eggs, frozen meat, and a variety of canned and dried fruits, canned vegetables, and other shelf-stable foods like oil, cereal, pasta, and rice.

Learn about how to receive food from Loaves and Fishes here.

How to Receive Other Help in Charlottesville

Other Resources in our Area

This "Street Sheet" provides information about other ways to receive assistance in many areas such as food, transportation, or mental health.

A resource sheet lists services in Charlottesville/Albemarle, with contact info.

CCS Family Engagement Facebook

High Schools

Middle Schools

Elementary Schools

Alternative Education