Virginia is launching an emergency program to ensure families don’t go hungry when federal SNAP benefits pause due to the government shutdown, becoming the first state in the nation to use state funds for food assistance benefits.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the scope of Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance, a stopgap state-funded program to cover SNAP cutoffs Nov. 1.

Youngkin said the plan will be paid for through the commonwealth’s budget surplus, which administration officials credit to “strong fiscal management.” He also authorized $1 million in state funds for Virginia food banks to help offset shortages and make sure families can find food locally if needed.

BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.

Food banks across Chatham County are preparing to support thousands of residents who may lose access to SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.