Government Shutdown Threatens November SNAP Benefits in Craven County

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Craven County, North Carolina, may face a disruption in their benefits starting in November due to a federal government funding lapse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed states that federal funding for Food and Nutrition Services, which includes SNAP, may not be available, raising concerns about the future of assistance for many families.

According to Shane Digan, the public information officer for Craven County, the lack of funding could lead to either a reduction in the level of benefits or a complete cessation until funding is restored. “The Craven County Department of Social Services was not involved in the decisions leading to the potential disruption in benefits,” Digan emphasized. He noted that benefits do not come directly from the county, complicating the situation further.

Local officials are uncertain about the extent of the impact. Denny Bucher, chairman of the Craven County Board of Commissioners, expressed concern for the community’s vulnerable populations. “It’s a bad deal and the two sides in Washington are blaming each other,” he stated. “I just know there are a lot of people that rely on the SNAP benefits, so I don’t know how they’re going to get by. It’s going to be tough.”

Understanding SNAP and Community Resources

The SNAP program provides monthly food assistance through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, enabling households to purchase groceries necessary for a nutritious diet. Benefits cannot be used for non-food items such as tobacco, pet food, or alcohol. While Craven County does not offer an alternative benefits program, many food pantries are available to support residents in need.

Food pantries in New Bern include the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at 1702 Red Robin Lane, Feed Craven at 3317 Highway 70 East, and several others. Havelock residents can access services from The Gathering Place and the Havelock Cherry Point Ministerial Outreach. Digan encouraged residents to consult Craven County’s Community Resource Guide available on the county government’s website for more information about local resources.

Bucher noted that although he has not yet spoken with nonprofit organizations regarding the potential SNAP crisis, he anticipates that they will respond by increasing food services. “Religious Community Services does a lot of community work, and my guess is that if this does come to pass, they will probably ramp up their services to provide more,” he said.

Continued Support for SNAP Applicants

Despite the looming uncertainties around SNAP funding, the North Carolina Department of Social Services will continue to accept and process new applications for households requiring nutritional assistance. Interested individuals can apply for services even during the federal government shutdown.

As of the latest updates from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there is no information from the USDA regarding the status of November benefits. Digan reassured the community, stating, “Craven County understands the importance of these benefits, and we will share updates as soon as additional guidance is available.”

Residents can check their food and nutrition balances using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of their EBT cards. For further inquiries about SNAP benefits, contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at 800-662-7030.