Finding Food Assistance Resources

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Finding Food Assistance Resources

Accessing available benefits and resources can enhance people’s lives. You might ask, why do so many people unnecessarily do without? There are several reasons, including that people may be aware of public benefits and resources but may not know how to find them. Or they may believe that they are not eligible for those services. 

If this sounds like you or someone you know, continue reading this article. We have information about steps to take to find various resources in the state of North Carolina. We will also provide contact information for programs and organizations that are happy to answer any questions you may have about the resources they provide.

Remember that by applying for a benefit that you are eligible for, you are not taking it away from someone else. It is your right to take advantage of these resources, and they exist to help you get back on your feet.

SNAP/FNS

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also known in North Carolina as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). This program is more commonly known as Food Stamps. Nowadays, if you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a debit-like card called EBT (which stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer). The EBT card allows you to make food purchases at a wide selection of grocery stores, farmers markets, gas station mini-marts and convenience stores.

Unlike many benefits programs, the SNAP, eligibility guidelines focus on family size and income. You do not have to be a part of a specific group, such as disabled, or belong to certain age group to be eligible. Older adults, college students and all families are encouraged to apply if they meet the income requirements.

To learn more about the requirements for this program, you can visit the More In My Basket (MIMB) website at www.morefood.org. You can also call their team at 1-855-240-1451; the MIMB team can screen you for eligibility, answer any questions you have about SNAP and complete a paper application. The MIMB team offers SNAP assistance in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Contacting MIMB is one of three ways you can go about applying for SNAP. You can also fill out a paper application on your own and then mail it to your local Department of Social Services (DSS). A paper application can be found on the DSS website or can be picked up in person at your local DSS office. For a DSS office map for every county in North Carolina, access www.ncdhhs.gov/localDSS.

You can also apply for SNAP/FNS online on your own at www.epass.nc.gov

Keep in mind that to apply for SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card, asylum or refugee status.

Double Bucks

As mentioned previously, if you are approved for SNAP in North Carolina, you can use your benefits at some farmers markets. And some of those farmers markets may offer Double Bucks.

Double Bucks is a matching program that allows the farmers market to match your EBT dollar with an additional dollar from the market (up to a certain amount). For example, if you spend $10 in EBT at the market, you will be given an additional $10, totaling $20. Contact or visit your county market for program availability.

For a list of county markets, visit: www.ncfarmfresh.com/farmmarkets.asp

Food Banks

For those needing immediate help with food, food banks are a great short-term solution while you wait for long-term ones, such as approval for SNAP/FNS benefits.

A great resource that can help you find available food banks in your area is Feeding the Carolinas. This food relief organization serves 146 counties between North Carolina and South Carolina and on their website, you can find a list of food banks available in your area. Visit: www.feedingthecarolinas.org/find-food/ for more.

All you need to do to find a list of food banks is select your zip code, city or address and select “Get Help.”

WIC

WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children and it is a program that provides basic nutritious food to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, as well as infants and children. Eligible foods are rich in protein, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamins.

For more information, to apply or to find the nearest local WIC office, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/localWIC

NC 211

NC 211 is a free and confidential referral service provided by United Way. When families and individuals reach out to NC 211, all they need to do is inform where they live to receive a list of available local resources.

You can contact them by calling 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162.

 You can also find full lists of services on their website at www.nc211.org. All you need to do is select what type of resource you are looking for (shelter, health, food, etc.) and then indicate what city you live in.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. This program is seasonal and dates for applications vary.

For more information, visit: www.tinyurl.com/lieap

NC State Extension Offices

North Carolina Extension is a vast network, working to provide research-based programs in agriculture, food, 4-H Youth Development, health and well-being for all North Carolina residents. NC Extension is supported by NC State University and NC A&T. 

Extension has 101 offices across the state: one in every county of North Carolina and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Staff and volunteers work with local governments to support agriculture, horticulture, conservation, environmental protection, nutrition and health and a variety of consumer, youth, and economic concerns.

To find an Extension office near you, visit: ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center