City of Roanoke Human/Social Services

09/16/2026

09/14/2026

Have you heard? Virginia is transitioning to more secure SNAP EBT chip cards to protect
your benefits from theft and skimming.

Once you receive your new card this fall:
- Activate it right away
- Set a secure new PIN
- Lock your card when not in use
- Change your PIN regularly for extra protection

Your balance will transfer automatically once you activate the new card. All Virginia EBT
customers should expect to receive their chip cards by December 31, 2026.

Learn more at VirginiaChipCard.com.

09/14/2026

‼️PIPP ANNOUNCEMENT‼️

Please read in its entirety.

09/08/2026

Waitlist closed! Families interested in applying are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process.

🌐 https://rkehousing.org/housing-options/public-housing/

09/02/2026

City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day. This includes all of Roanoke Public Libraries and PLAY Roanoke’s Eureka Recreation Center and Discovery Center.

🚨 Roanoke Police Department - VA, Roanoke FireEMS Department, Roanoke Sheriff's Office and City of Roanoke 911 Center remain on duty to serve the community.
🛟 Washington Park Pool will be open.
🗑 Trash and A-Week recycling pickup will be on a one-day delay.

08/31/2026

Make sure your new EBT chip card reaches you! Verify your mailing address on
commonhelp.virginia.gov or at your local department by September 9. 📬

Your balance will transfer automatically once you activate the new card. Current cards
expire 60 days after your new card is mailed.

Learn more about your new EBT card at VirginiaChipCard.com.

08/27/2026

‼️2026 BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR QUALIFIED NONCITIZENS‼️

08/13/2026

A more secure EBT card is on its way to you this fall! 🔒

When your new SNAP EBT chip card arrives, you must activate it right away. Your old card
will deactivate once you activate the new one, or 60 days after it is mailed.

Check your mail often. Activation instructions will be included in the mailer with your new
card. Learn more at VirginiaChipCard.com.

08/10/2026

It’s SNAP Double Match Day at West End Farmers Market, this Tuesday from 3pm–6pm! For customers with SNAP/EBT, every $1 you spend, you get $2 free to spend on fruits and veggies!!

The market is open to everyone!

Plus, every Tuesday, all kids (2-17) get $5 Kids Bucks for fruits and veggies and customers with SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid get $1 free fruits and vegetables for every $1 you spend. Visit the market manager to learn more.

After you shop the market, check out the LEAP Community Store to complete your shop with additional veggies, grab-and-go foods, pantry and bulk items, and more!

08/10/2026

Ready to double your SNAP and SUN Bucks at a Virginia farmers market? Here’s how it works:

🍅Visit a Virginia Fresh Match farmers market near you.
🍅Go to the Market Information Booth.
🍅Choose how much in SNAP benefits you’d like to spend, and swipe your SNAP card.
🍅Get an equal amount in FREE Virginia Fresh Match tokens that can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and food-producing plants and seeds.

Example: Spend $20 SNAP → get $20 FREE in VFM tokens → $40 total to shop with at the market!

You can use your SNAP tokens on any SNAP-eligible foods, including bread, eggs, meat, honey, cheese, produce, and more.

Your VFM tokens can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and food-producing plants and seeds.

Find a participating market near you at www.VirginiaFreshMatch.org.