NC SNAP recipients to get full payments on EBT cards Friday

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- About 600,000 households in North Carolina should see full SNAP benefits loaded onto their EBT cards Friday.

"People will be able to go to the grocery store this weekend to purchase the food they need to keep their loved ones healthy and strong," said Governor Josh Stein.

Some local governments are stepping in to offer extra help.

People lined up in cars long before Durham County's Food Drive got underway Thursday afternoon and volunteers quickly started handing out bags of nonperishable items.

Many of the folks receiving help at First Calvary Baptist Church are waiting on SNAP benefits.

Durham says while the event couldn't make up for the nearly $6 million in food benefits that the county receives, leaders are doing what they can to provide for those fighting food insecurity.

"(It's) very helpful. It really is," said SNAP recipient Dinah Patterson.

She says as hard as it's been going without the federal assistance and as thankful as she is for the help, Patterson plans on sharing what she received with others even less fortunate than her.

"I really want to help other people," said Patterson. "I have grandchildren, nieces, nephews. But I just want everybody that's less fortunate (to have) a good Thanksgiving."

DHHS says SNAP participants will receive their December benefits on their usual schedule.