SNAP benefits for 1.4 million North Carolinians at risk amid federal shutdown
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the November SNAP benefits will be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues.
According to the press release, 1.4 million North Carolinians relay on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
On October 10th, NCDHHS was directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of November SNAP benefits program due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This month’s benefits are not impacted, but it is likely that November benefits will not be issued on their normal schedule.
The USDA also sent guidance and a notice Friday stating it would not use the roughly $6 billion in federal contingency funds available to keep the SNAP program running for next month.
“I am urging the USDA to take immediate action to prevent more than 1.4 million North Carolinians – including children, people with disabilities, veterans, and working families – from going hungry,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Specifically, USDA can deploy federal contingency funds and prevent a disruption of SNAP benefits on November 1. The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of the responsibility to support families and communities. Congress owes it to the American people to return to the negotiating table and come together to reopen the government, stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, and ensure stability for hardworking people across our state and country.”
“We know how vital these benefits are for children, seniors, and hardworking families in every corner of our state,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Our priority is to be transparent and provide clear, factual information so families can prepare for a potential delay in benefits. We will continue to process applications and stand ready to issue benefits as quickly as possible once we receive authorization and funding from our federal partners.”
NCDHHS does not currently have funding to maintain benefits past early November for more than 262,000 people.
You can visit the NCDHHS website to find the nearest food pantry to you.
