LURAY, Va. — Depleted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resources have been temporarily replaced with the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program. This month, especially with the Thanksgiving Holiday looming, local families are finding it especially hard to feed their families.
The VENA program is a state resource that allows SNAP recipients to receive 25% of their SNAP benefit amounts each week — at least through the month of November.
Many in Page County work for the National Park Service or other federal agencies. These workers have now gone weeks without paychecks.
Several Page County agencies, groups and businesses are stepping up to help bridge the food shortage gap. Additional donations and volunteers, however, are always welcome and needed.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF RESOURCES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES IN THE COUNTY:
Page One — Luray (540) 743-4863 Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-11 a.m.
Page One — Shenandoah (540) 652-8780 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:30-3:30 p.m.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (540) 248-3663 Monday - Friday 9-5 p.m.
GOOD AS NEW, a thrift store, at 23 East Luray Shopping Center has announced they will offer weekly “blessing bags” during normal store hours through the holiday season. For more information on how you can donate or help, contact Cristy at (540) 843-0287 and/or follow the store on Facebook HERE.
THE CARE CLOSET in Stanley is seeking donations of food, clothing and household items. To learn how you can donate or help with this project, call (540) 742-7566 and/or follow them on Facebook HERE.
JESS’ MAIN STREET BAR AND GRILL at 956 East Main Street has announced that they will offer a free meal to anyone struggling this Thanksgiving. For more information, call 540-669-5236 or follow them on Facebook HERE.
“MAKING A DIFFERENCE,” a Shenandoah Elementary School program, is collecting canned goods through the month of December. Details below and/or follow them on Facebook HERE.
KNOW OF ANYONE ELSE providing community help this holiday season? Email complete details to editor@shenvalleytimes.com. Submissions without contact info cannot be considered for publication.