New Hanover County launches website to connect residents with food distribution events
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Food and Nutrition Services benefits in New Hanover County will not be distributed in the coming days as part of a federal directive halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP payments during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed states to temporarily pause SNAP funding, delaying November benefits for thousands of local households.
To support families during the interruption, New Hanover County Social Services and the Office of Civic Engagement are coordinating with nonprofits, churches and food banks to identify available resources. County officials say the goal is to help residents access food assistance while federal funding is paused.
Residents can visit NHCgov.com/foodhelp for a calendar of free community food distribution events in November, along with additional support programs and services.
“This is a critical moment for so many in our county as they rely on these funds to address nutritional needs, allowing other financial resources to be used for monthly expenses like utilities or housing,” Chief Civic Engagement Officer Linda Thompson said in a release. “We are so grateful to our community partners who are stepping up to try and fill the gap. Together, we can make sure everyone in New Hanover County has their needs met during this period of uncertainty.”
Approximately 12,300 households in New Hanover County receive SNAP benefits, supporting more than 22,000 residents, or about 9 percent of the population.
