Federal shutdown threatens November SNAP benefits for 1.4 million North Carolinians - 𝓣𝓸𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽

While applications for FNS benefits are still being accepted, DSS officials said they are waiting for additional guidance from federal authorities.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Thousands of families in Rowan County, and more than 1.4 million people statewide, could see a delay in their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed it was directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of November benefits because federal funding has not yet been provided. While October benefits were not affected, state officials say there’s now a “significant risk” that November payments will not arrive on time or in full.

In a letter sent to state agencies, USDA also announced it would not use roughly $6 billion in contingency funds to keep the SNAP program running through November — nor would it reimburse states that attempt to cover the gap themselves. North Carolina typically distributes between $230 million and $250 million in SNAP benefits each month.

Governor Josh Stein called on federal leaders to take “immediate action” to prevent widespread hunger.

“USDA can deploy federal contingency funds and prevent a disruption of SNAP benefits on November 1,” Stein said. “The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of responsibility. Congress owes it to the American people to reopen the government and ensure stability for hardworking people across our state.”

Local impact in Rowan County

In Rowan County alone, more than 20,000 residents depend on SNAP benefits each month — totaling about $3.5 million, according to Rowan County Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Micah Ennis.

“A disruption of this scale will not only impact household food security but also ripple through our local economy,” Ennis said. “We understand how critical these benefits are to the individuals and families we serve.”

Rowan County DSS said it will continue accepting applications for assistance but is awaiting further federal guidance. Officials will share updates as soon as they become available.

Broader concerns statewide

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized that the department’s priority is transparency and preparedness.

“We know how vital these benefits are for children, seniors, and hardworking families,” Sangvai said. “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.”

SNAP helps 600,000 households statewide, including 580,000 children. Four in five participating families include a child, senior, or adult with a disability, and more than 80% of recipients are working.

In addition to SNAP, funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) — which serves more than 262,000 North Carolinians — could run out in early November unless Congress acts or the USDA allocates new funds.

What residents can do now

Both state and county officials encourage residents to stay informed and take steps to prepare:

Continue to apply and renew: County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications.
Check your balance: Benefits currently loaded on your EBT card are still available. Use the ebtEDGE app, visit ebtEDGE.com, or call 1-888-622-7328 to verify your balance.
Seek local assistance:
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org for food pantries and meal programs (available 24/7, in multiple languages).
- Rowan County food resources: Visit rowancountync.gov/foodpantry for a list of community food options.