North Carolinians to Keep Federal Food Assistance Benefits Until October Despite Government Shutdown – What You Need to Know from Neuse News

As the federal government shutdown continues, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is actively working with partners to address the effects on vital services.

For now, North Carolinians who depend on federal food assistance will still receive their benefits through October. This includes those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Around 1.4 million people in the state rely on SNAP for access to healthy food. Meanwhile, WIC serves about 262,000 women, infants, and children, providing not just food but also breastfeeding support and nutrition education.

Experts agree that programs like SNAP and WIC are crucial in times like these, offering a safety net for families. Dr. Sarah Jones, a nutrition expert, notes that food security is vital for children’s development and health. “Access to nutritious food significantly impacts education and well-being,” she states.

The NCDHHS is awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on how a prolonged shutdown might affect benefits beyond October. They promise to keep the public informed through their SNAP and WIC webpages.

In light of the shutdown, some social media conversations highlight the importance of these programs. Users are sharing personal stories about how SNAP and WIC have made a difference in their lives, emphasizing community support during challenging times.

For more information, you can check the NCDHHS SNAP and WIC programs. Keeping up with these updates is essential, as the situation is continuously evolving.



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