Notice sent to NCDHHS about possible disruption to November SNAP benefits as shutdown continues

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is unsure what will happen next month with SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.

DHHS says it has been using available funds from last year to keep SNAP benefits in place through October.

A spokesperson says the state agency recently received a letter from USDA that November benefits will be disrupted if the federal shutdown continues.

Parties are no closer to a deal to end it.

DHHS, however, says it is hopeful it can continue to offer SNAP benefits to 1.4 million North Carolinians.

The program specifically helps approximately 582,569 children as of this past Sunday.

"The stakes are high, because we're talking about infants and children," said DHHS Division of Child and Family Well-Being Director Yvonna Copeland. "Infants and children would be at risk for developmental delays, physical, irreparable, or damage. And they're susceptible to more illnesses."

The program helps to put healthy and nutritious food options on the table.

"If funding is not provided and the WIC program must (also) shut down, we will assure the public that we will provide 3 days' notice to participants so that they can redeem all of their benefits," said Copeland. "It would put a huge strain on the already stretched food security network, community-based organizations that are out there."

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