The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a suspension of all November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) stated it is prepared to resume distribution if the USDA lifts the suspension.
Current SNAP recipients in North Carolina can continue using their EBT cards at authorized retailers. Recipients are encouraged to check their balances through the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on their card. Despite the pause, individuals must still meet reporting requirements, including recertification according to their usual schedule. Local Department of Social Services offices remain open and will process new applications, recertifications, and changes.
NCDHHS acknowledged the importance of these benefits for many families and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available: “We know how important these benefits are. NCDHHS will continue to share updates on this situation on their website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/federal-government-shutdown.”
To address potential food insecurity caused by this disruption, regional food banks across North Carolina are mobilizing resources. Organizations such as Food Bank of the Albemarle, Second Harvest Food Bank branches in various regions, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, MANNA Food Bank, and others are coordinating efforts with local pantries and nonprofits. Residents can also use NC211—available 24/7 in multiple languages—to find nearby food assistance.
While these community resources offer vital support during emergencies, they cannot fully replace federal nutrition programs like SNAP. According to NCDHHS: “Even with robust support, food banks can provide only a fraction of the nutritional assistance that federal programs like FNS provide. For every meal that a food bank provides to neighbors experiencing hunger, FNS provides nine.”
In Franklin County specifically, several organizations are offering emergency food aid:
– Franklin County Interfaith Council
– Abundant Blessings Franklin County Missions at Vollmer Farms
– Care and Share Inc.
– Faith Baptist Church Dorcas Ministry Food Pantry
– Glory Cloud & Fire Ministries
– Hickory Rock Baptist Church
– Nelson Chapel Baptist Church
– New Life Outreach Ministry
– Oak Level Christian Church
– Sowing Seeds in Franklinton
– Our Lady of the Rosary Food Pantry
– Salvation Army serving Franklin County
– Blessings Inc/St. Paul Presbyterian Church
– The Journey Ministry Pantry in Youngsville
– Pantry of H.O.P.E.
– Maple Springs Baptist Church Outreach
– Cowboy Church Food Pantry
– Sandy Creek Baptist Church
– OASIS Food Pantry–and–Distribution Center in Henderson
– The Help Center at Care & Share Building
Contact details and operating hours for each organization have been provided by county officials.
Franklin County faces other challenges related to educational outcomes as well. Recent data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction shows that among 510 senior students who took the science portion of the ACT during 2022–23 school year in local districts, only about 15% were considered ready for college-level work; similar trends appear for reading (about 24%) and math (about 13%). Junior students had comparable results: approximately 13% met college readiness standards in science (source), around 23% in reading (source), and about 11% in math (source). These figures highlight broader issues facing families who may also be affected by disruptions in nutritional assistance.
Updates regarding SNAP benefit status will be posted by NCDHHS as developments occur.
