As students across Virginia begin summer break, anti-hunger advocates say many families are struggling to replace the meals children receive during the school year, while also facing rising grocery costs and cuts to federal food assistance programs.

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.

Immediate food assistance is available across Virginia through several organizations dedicated to helping those in need.

Local food banks are growing concerned, as they say federal funding cuts are making it difficult to keep shelves stocked.