Bryan: VI Government to Cover SNAP for November

St. Croix Times Staff

USVI - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. directed his Administration to use local funds to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) clients in the U.S. Virgin Islands are not left without support in November while the federal government remains shut down. Checks for half of monthly allotments will be mailed to SNAP households while the Territory navigates federal requirements. 

Under the Governor’s directive, the Department of Human Services in coordination with the Department of Finance, will issue a check to each SNAP household covering half of its November monthly allotment. Checks will be mailed to the mailing address on file for each household.

“We are not going to let a shutdown in Washington determine whether Virgin Islanders can eat,” Governor Bryan said. “I have instructed our team to move now with local dollars so families, seniors and vulnerable residents receive at least half of their November benefit on time while we continue to work through the federal red tape.”

The Governor emphasized that this approach is the fastest and most reliable way to reach households quickly. Loading the partial benefit onto existing SNAP EBT cards would require reprogramming the benefit system, a process that technical experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service estimate would take at least a month. “Mailing checks gets relief out faster. It’s not perfect but it is the most efficient path we can execute immediately,” the Governor said. 

Human Services has been working closely with federal partners at USDA-FNS on the logistics and legal parameters for any augmented benefit during the shutdown. Officials noted there are numerous technical requirements that must be satisfied to protect clients and the Territory, including eligibility verification, benefit calculation, audit trails and post-shutdown reconciliation. “We are navigating a complex set of federal requirements to make sure this temporary local intervention is done right.”

The Administration cautioned that while this solution is the most workable at speed, it is not foolproof. Mail delivery timelines, address accuracy and normal check cashing requirements apply. 

Governor Bryan thanked Senate President Milton Potter for elevating the issue and supporting efforts to protect families during the shutdown. He affirmed that the Administration will provide the 36th Legislature time to act on any measure needed to sustain or expand relief should the shutdown continue.

The Governor stated clearly that he has the authority to declare a state of emergency and that he will exercise that authority if necessary to protect public welfare and maintain access to food. “If legislative action is not timely or conditions worsen, I will declare a state of emergency to ensure uninterrupted relief for our residents,” he said. 

Human Services and Finance are finalizing the mail-out process for the half-benefit checks for November. The Administration will provide updates on timing and on next steps should the federal shutdown persist. Households should watch for official announcements from Human Services and Government House and ensure their mailing information is current. 

“For our families, we will act with urgency and care,” Governor Bryan said. “This is a bridge to keep food on the table while the Congress determines how it should move forward in doing its job.”