As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, thousands of Virgin Islands households are still without their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits — prompting both government action and direct support from the local business community.
Beginning Monday, St. Thomas Social, located in Yacht Haven Grande, will provide free to-go meals for St. Thomas-based SNAP recipients, offering up to three prepared meals per person per day at no cost. Recipients must present their SNAP card at pickup, and orders can be placed by calling 340-715-5930. All meals will be provided to-go and must be consumed off-site.
The initiative comes as roughly 24,000 Virgin Islanders — including families, seniors, and residents with disabilities — remain without access to their monthly food assistance due to the ongoing federal funding lapse. The Virgin Islands government will begin issuing paper checks covering half of November benefits, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. saying the administration is moving quickly to ensure households can access food while federal systems remain offline. Bryan has asked the Legislature to take up emergency measures to extend support if needed and said he is prepared to declare a state of emergency should the delay continue.
Meanwhile, St. Thomas Social partner and executive chef Sunil Sharma said the restaurant felt compelled to act now. “As an immigrant, when I came to this country at 16, my parents only had $1,000 to their name – but they always made sure there was food on the table. No family should go without food. As a chef, it’s not just about business, it’s about feeding people, and it is an honor to help those impacted by this situation. I hope more restaurants are able to follow suit,” he shared Sunday.
He added that the effort also aligns with the spirit of Diwali, the festival of lights, an East-Indian holiday rooted in reflection, gratitude, and giving. Sharma said that the restaurant will cover the cost of the program entirely out-of-pocket, and said he hopes others in the local hospitality industry will join in.
Across the territory, residents have also stepped in to help, organizing informal donation drives and sharing information about where neighbors can find free or low-cost meals. Grocery stores on St. Thomas and St. Croix have placed donation bins near checkout lines, while community members have circulated lists of church kitchens, school meal pickups, and nonprofit food programs on social media.
Human Services officials say the first round of relief checks is being processed and will begin reaching households by mail. Residents are encouraged to confirm that their mailing address on file is current to avoid delays.
St. Croix Source
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