On Nov. 1, federal food assistance payments did not go out to 1.4 million North Carolina residents due to the federal government shutdown. Then, in a court filing on Monday, the Trump administration announced plans to use $4.65 billion in emergency funds to disperse 50% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to the 41.7 million Americans who receive the benefits.
This filing follows rulings from two federal judges. In response to a lawsuit brought last week by 25 states and the District of Columbia, including North Carolina, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that the administration had until Nov. 3 to decide whether to pay at least reduced SNAP food benefits for November. Separately, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order that stated the Trump administration “must distribute” funds from emergency reserves to cover SNAP benefits.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson sent a press release on Monday about the Trump administration’s announcement, writing that, “My office is still reviewing the order to see what else we can do to help, but until this shutdown ends we all need to provide extra support to our local food pantries.”
Distributing partial November benefits is expected to take time as states calculate benefits for each household. “To assist State agencies with the massive changes, USDA will have staff available for technical assistance,” reads the court filing.
In the meantime, and until full SNAP payments resume, below is a look at how to find local food banks and resources.
Resources for SNAP users
Answers to frequently asked questions about the lapse in SNAP benefits can be found here.
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) encouraged North Carolina residents to continue applying for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County departments of social services are open and processing applications to prevent backlogs, according to a press release from Gov. Josh Stein.
People enrolled in SNAP can still use benefits currently on their EBT card. Users can check their balance through the ebtEDGE app, online at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of their EBT card (1-888-622-7328).
If you or your family need food resources immediately, call 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org to access local resources.
The state’s NCDHHS website also includes a list of food banks across the state:
- Food Bank of the Albemarle (northeast N.C.)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC (Fayetteville and southeast N.C.)
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (greater Triangle region through coastal N.C.)
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (greater Triangle region)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (greater Charlotte area)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC (greater Triad area and northwest)
- MANNA Food Bank (western NC)
Feeding America also has a tool to find local food banks.
You can also call your county’s department of social services for details on local food resources. You can find their contact information here.
Recommended reading
