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.

More critical services are at risk of lapsing this month as President Donald Trump and the GOP remain at an impasse over funding the federal government. Follow for live updates.

Federal food aid is on the line as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is poised to run out of money on Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown. A federal judge on Friday

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.

Some 42 million people in the U.S. who rely on SNAP benefits could soon join the already long lines at the nation's food banks and pantries that are also serving struggling federal workers.

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