Central NC families worry about cuts to SNAP benefits: 'Why put these hurdles in place?'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Worries about putting food on the dinner table are growing for some families here in the Triangle as cuts and changes to SNAP eligibility loom.

The passage of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill implemented cuts and changes to the program to reduce federal spending by shifting costs to the states.

The bill also includes a new work requirement for someone to prove eligibility.

This could impact free school lunch programs as well, as fewer children may qualify for assistance.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, more than 1.4 million people rely on SNAP benefits in North Carolina.

Durham mom Aja Purnell-Mitchell says she's already living on a fixed budget.

"Why put these hurdles in place? And what is it for?" she said. "I understand there are people that abuse the system, but this is not going to catch people that is going to be in the system. This is literally about the fact a lot of families, whether it's children not being able to qualify for free lunch."

The mother of three moved to Durham for treatment of an autoimmune disease at Duke University Medical Center, and says two of her three children have disabilities.

She's already navigating a bone marrow transplant for her son, fighting sickle cell disease, and now has to worry about whether her daughter can still get free lunches at school.

"So it's going to be lunch or this. I shouldn't have to make those decisions," said Purnell-Mitchell. "I shouldn't have to make those sacrifices, all those choices. And if I qualify for these resources, why make the hurdles for me to be able to get those resources?"

NC Child Health Policy Manager Kaitlyn Richards says families are worried about whether they'll still qualify after SNAP eligibility requirements go into effect.

"We know that many families are already working, but we don't know what those hoops will be that these working parents will have to jump through in the future to access the same benefits and make sure their children are fed," she said.

For Purnell-Mitchell she says she's taking her questions and concerns to her elected representatives.

"I'm going to just be reaching out to my legislators," she said. "I will reach out to my representatives and share my story. And I hope that everybody else is doing that."

Experts say one in six North Carolina children is food insecure and relies on SNAP benefits at home and at school for food.