AARP Hearing Center
As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Virgin Islanders—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. has decided to use the territory’s Rainy Day Fund to cover the payments — roughly $2.5 million — with the option of releasing the remaining half if the federal shutdown persists into December. More than 4,000 people ages 60+ rely on SNAP in the Virgin Islands, representing 20% of total SNAP beneficiaries. For seniors living on fixed incomes, food assistance is a critical service to protect older Americans' health. AARP remains committed to supporting programs that millions of older Americans rely on, including SNAP.
You Are Not Alone
If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.
Check Your EBT Balance
Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.
Find Local Food Assistance and Services
Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options:
In the Virgin Islands:
St. Croix Food Banks
Light House Mission
(340-773-3551)
27C Company Street, Christiansted, St. Croix
Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8:00AM – 9:00AM
Personal Care Center: Tuesday and Friday, 7:30AM - 9:00AM
My Brother's Table
(340-772-3663 or 340 778-0520)
31B Hospital Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix (one block North of Frederiksted Post Office)
Monday - Friday, 12:00 to 1:00 PM (except National Holidays)
St. Croix Catholic Charities
16 Friedensthal, Christiansted, St. Croix
Lunch Pick up Services: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Food Bank: Open when items are available
Bus Services: 11:30, 3:30 PM (Christiansted Town to Kmart West, hail the white van)
Lutheran Social Services
(340-772-0589)
24-27 Hospital Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix
Outreach Services: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
St. John Food Banks
St. John Catholic Charities of the VI
(340-777-8518)
5AA-5AB Cruz Bay (Catholic Church)
Soup Kitchen Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM
Soup Kitchen Lunch: Monday – Friday, 12:00PM
St. Thomas Food Banks
St. Thomas Catholic Charities
(340-777-8515)
68 Kronprindsens Gade, St. Thomas
(Blue building across from the old Vitelco Building)
Soup Kitchen: Monday- Friday, 12:30PM
Breakfast: Monday & Friday 8:30AM - 9:00 AM
Outreach Services provided daily, connects individuals to mainstream and non-profit service providers, facilitates health and mental health ,clinic appointments, and offer assistance navigating the Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP systems of benefits.
Meeting the Needs of our Community, Inc. (MTOC)
(340-714-7782)
4A Kronprindsens Gade, St. Thomas
(Across from Market Square – opposite of Methodist Church)
Soup Kitchen: 3rd Thursday of each month, 2PM – until
Support services for homeless, housing placement and services for veterans and families
Salvation Army
(340-776-0070)
Market Square – Main Street, St. Thomas
Soup Kitchen Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30AM
About AARP Virgin Islands
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