The North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Franklin County Department of Social Services (DSS) have received a letter from the federal government warning about possible disruptions to November Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits if the federal shutdown continues. The agencies are working to understand how this may affect North Carolina residents, including potential changes in the schedule or amount of FNS benefits for November.
“We recognize the importance of these benefits and will provide updates as soon as federal guidance is available,” officials stated.
Residents seeking more information about FNS benefits or the impact of the federal shutdown can visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns. They can also check their balance using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on their EBT card.
Local community resources are available for those needing food assistance. Some options in Franklin County include:
– NC211: By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting nc211.org, individuals can connect with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services at any time.
– The Franklin County Interfaith Council
– Abundant Blessings Franklin County Missions at Vollmer Farms in Bunn
– Care and Share, Inc. in Louisburg
– Faith Baptist Church Dorcas Ministry Food Pantry in Youngsville
– Glory Cloud & Fire Ministries in Zebulon
– Hickory Rock Baptist Church in Louisburg
– Nelson Chapel Baptist Church in Louisburg
– New Life Outreach Ministry in Franklinton
– Oak Level Christian Church in Youngsville
– SOWING SEEDS in Franklinton
– Our Lady of the Rosary Food Pantry in Louisburg
– Salvation Army serving Franklin County from Henderson
– Blessings Inc/St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Louisburg
– The Journey Ministry Pantry in Youngsville
– Pantry of H.O.P.E in Louisburg
– Maple Springs Baptist Church Outreach Food Pantry and Clothing in Louisburg
– Cowboy Church Food Pantry in Louisburg
– Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Louisburg
– OASIS Food Pantry–and–Distribution Center in Henderson
– The Help Center located at Care & Share Building, with distribution on the third Thursday each month
These organizations offer a range of hours and emergency support for residents facing immediate needs.
Recent educational data shows that college readiness remains a challenge for students within Franklin County school districts. In 2022–23, only 14.9% of senior students taking the science portion of the ACT were considered ready for college, while just 13.1% of juniors met that benchmark (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). Reading readiness was higher but still low, with 23.9% of seniors and 22.5% of juniors reaching college-ready levels (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). For math, only 12.7% of seniors and 10.9% of juniors were deemed ready for college based on their ACT scores (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
As updates become available regarding FNS benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown, local authorities urge affected residents to monitor official channels and make use of community resources listed above.
