Governor Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt volunteered at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina as federal food assistance remains delayed. During the visit, Governor Stein presented a $3.34 million check from the State of North Carolina to support the food bank. This donation is part of an ongoing initiative led by Governor Stein to increase both public and private contributions to food banks.
“Like all food banks across North Carolina, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina serves as a critical backstop preventing people from going hungry,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud of our work to support their efforts, but only federal action can truly fill the gap and keep people fed.”
In recent weeks, nearly $22 million in food donations have been directed to food banks through a public-private partnership led by Governor Stein. These actions come amid uncertainty caused by changing guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has left families unsure about their access to food assistance.
Last Friday, after initial USDA guidance, partial November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were distributed in North Carolina at approximately 65% of the normal maximum allotment for more than 586,000 households. Households that typically receive the maximum amount saw their benefits reduced by 35%, while those receiving less experienced even greater reductions. About 190,000 households received $16 or less on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards on Friday due to changes in benefit calculations.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) had planned to issue full SNAP benefits over the weekend but paused these efforts following a White House decision to appeal a court order that would have provided full benefits.
NCDHHS is working to communicate directly with beneficiaries and regularly updates its website dedicated to information about the federal government shutdown and SNAP program changes. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their EBT card balances using available tools such as the ebtEDGE app or website, continue applying for or renewing SNAP benefits at county DSS offices, and seek immediate help if needed by calling 2-1-1 or visiting NCDHHS’s online resources for local food pantries.
