WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — More than 1.4 million North Carolinians who depend on food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face delayed benefits in November if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced.
Federal Government Halts Funding Authorization
On October 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed NCDHHS to delay the issuance of November SNAP benefits due to the federal shutdown. While October benefits remain unaffected, the state has not received the necessary federal funding to distribute November benefits as of October 27, 2025.
The situation intensified when USDA issued guidance on Friday, October 24, 2025, stating it would not utilize approximately $6 billion in available federal contingency funds to maintain SNAP operations for November. The agency also clarified that no state funds used to cover SNAP benefits would be reimbursed by the federal government. In North Carolina, SNAP benefits total between $230 million and $250 million monthly.
State Leaders Call for Federal Action
Governor Josh Stein issued an urgent appeal to the USDA, calling on the agency to deploy contingency funds before the November 1 benefit distribution date.
“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,” Stein said. “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.”
The governor also called on Congress to return to negotiations to reopen the government and ensure stability for families across the state and nation.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
More than 600,000 households comprising 1.4 million individuals are scheduled to receive SNAP benefits in November. The program serves North Carolina’s most vulnerable populations, with four in five participating families including either a child, senior, or adult with a disability.
The data reveals the program’s critical role: more than 580,000 children in North Carolina depend on SNAP, and over 80% of beneficiaries are working individuals and families.
“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.”
WIC Program Also Threatened
The funding crisis extends beyond SNAP. NCDHHS currently lacks funding to maintain benefits past early November for more than 262,000 people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This program provides healthy food, infant formula, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
While additional federal funding remains possible, NCDHHS stated there is currently no certainty that funds will be received. The department is exploring all options to maintain these critical benefits.
Background on Federal Shutdown
The federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a budget for the new fiscal year. The administration has paused or reduced numerous federal programs, and more than one million federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay. Experts warn that impacts will intensify the longer the shutdown continues.
Guidance for Beneficiaries
NCDHHS is providing the following guidance for residents who depend on food and nutrition benefits:
Continue to Apply and Renew: All residents should continue applying for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County Department of Social Services offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent backlogs when funding is restored.
Check Your Balance: Any benefits currently loaded on EBT cards remain available for use. Beneficiaries can check balances through the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328.
Seek Immediate Assistance: Families in immediate need of food resources can call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources or visit the NCDHHS website to find nearby food pantries.
NCDHHS has committed to transparency throughout the crisis and will provide updates on its dedicated website at www.ncdhhs.gov/shutdown. The department stated it will issue SNAP benefits to beneficiaries as soon as federal funding is provided and authorization is received.
