This article originally appeared here, at wjla.com

(WSET) — On November 1, SNAP benefit funds are set to run out in Virginia, leaving families who rely on the program for food to go without.

The government shutdown is at the root of the issue, which will affect the entire country’s food stamp programs. But in Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin said he’s going to do what he can to keep people from going hungry, blaming Democrats for the shutdown.

“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025,” Youngkin said. “I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by Congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.”

Youngkin’s State of Emergency will provide food benefits, Youngkin said, until “Congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics.” That’s going to happen by using emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians.