All food stamp recipients in Richmond and across the state will receive March benefits on March 1, the state Department of Social Services has announced.

The move temporarily suspends the practice of staggering the release of SNAP benefits, the agency stated in a news release issued Tuesday.

Toni Blue Washington, who heads the state social services department’s benefit programs, stated that the goal is “to help close the gap for clients who have been stretching benefits since mid-January as a result of the early release of February benefits during the partial federal government shutdown.”

DSS understands “the challenges individuals and families have been facing, and wants to ensure relief for Virginians who rely” on food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Ms. Washington stated.

The staggered release of benefits will resume in April.

Details or questions: (855) 635-4370 or 211 or www.211virginia.org.