Residents of Asheville have come together to address the needs of vulnerable families during recent SNAP disruptions. More than 8,540 pounds of food were collected, providing around 7,000 meals to those in need.
In good news, SNAP benefits are set to fully resume for over 29,000 Buncombe County families. This follows Congress approving funding through September 30, 2026. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is now waiting for guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release the full SNAP allotments. For recipients, checking EBT balances can be done via the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on their cards. Any questions can be directed to Buncombe County Economic Services at 828-250-5500 or the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.
During the federal shutdown, county staff continued to process SNAP applications, ensuring benefits could be distributed quickly when funding resumed. To further assist residents, call center capacity was increased to handle the influx of inquiries.
Other support programs remain operational as well. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is fully funded, and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provided one-time vendor payments in November. For those facing heating or cooling emergencies, the Crisis Intervention Program is available online, by phone, or in person at 40 Coxe Ave.
The food drive organized by the county in collaboration with MANNA FoodBank has seen an outpouring of support. Buncombe County Health and Human Services Director David Sweat expressed appreciation for the community’s generosity, highlighting the importance of coming together in tough times. “We look forward to seeing stability restored to the families relying on these benefits,” he said.
For additional resources, residents can explore NC211, the NCDHHS Food Access page, and MANNA’s Free Food Distribution Map. YMCA Mobile Markets and a calendar of community engagement events can also provide further assistance to those in need.
Meanwhile, a recent survey showed that 78% of Americans support continued funding for food assistance programs during economic instability, indicating a strong community commitment to helping those affected by food insecurity.
