Orange County SNAP Impacts and What We Can Do Now - Oct. 31, 2025
- Marilyn Carter
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 1
The Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) is alerting residents that SNAP benefits — also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) — may not be issued in November 2025.
While our Governor, Attorney General and County Government pursue ways to mitigage impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), residents need to take action.
THIS IS A FAST-MOVING SITUATION, SO "RIGHT-UP-TOP":
Reports are that local food pantries are dangerously low or lacking stock to address increased need for food.
To help bridge the gap, here's several local food security nonprofits where you can donate and/or volunteer:
Below you'll find background and breaking news, resources for SNAP recipients - including the "Food Finder", and Orange County actions. Please share widely.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS WITHHOLDING CONTINGENCY FUNDS, PUTTING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE SNAP BENEFITS AT RISK:
While October benefits have already been disbursed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has informed states that funding for SNAP beyond Oct. 31 cannot be guaranteed.
Congress has appropriated $6B in federal contingency funds to ensure continuity of SNAP benefits nationwide during events like the current federal government shutdown. At the time of writing, these contingency funds continue to be withheld by the federal government.
THE GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL ARE TAKING ACTION:
Governor Josh Stein announced that the State of North Carolina has joined with private donors to provide $18M in assistance to local food banks (press release here).
Our NC Attorney General, Jeff Jackson, has joined other states in a bipartisan suit to release these funds (video here).
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS:
As of April 2025, Orange County had 9,163 participants in the SNAP program.
While the Governor and AG are taking positive action, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC Amy Beros said:
“We know emergency food programs can’t replace the impact of federal nutrition assistance. SNAP remains the most effective tool in fighting hunger and poverty nationwide. We need swift action to ensure this critical support continues uninterrupted for those who need it most. Every day of delay means more empty plates and tougher choices for our neighbors.”
November SNAP benefits may be delayed or reduced if federal funding is not restored immediately.
Orange County residents are encouraged to identify local food assistance options in case of a gap in benefits.
WHERE TO GET IMMEDIATE HELP:
Residents can find local Pantries at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC.
Residents in need of immediate food support can also contact Orange County DSS:
Phone: (919) 245-2800
Email: dssinfo@orangecountync.gov
A full list of resources is available at:
WHAT ORANGE COUNTY IS DOING: |
Orange County DSS is coordinating with state agencies and tracking federal updates around SNAP funding and distribution schedules.
DSS will provide immediate updates as more information becomes available via the DSS website, social media and local media.
DSS and the N.C. Cooperative Extension (Orange County Center) are working with local food assistance partners, including food banks and community organizations, to plan for increased demand. |
The Cooperative Extension is also partnering with organizations, like the Piedmont Food Processing Center in Hillsborough, on food resiliency strategies for the future.
Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott and I visit with food producers at PFPC on Oct. 23.
MORE WAYS OUR COMMUNITY CAN HELP: |
In addition to supporting TABLE and PORCH, you can donate directly to local food pantries:
For more information about how to support local food pantries, visit:
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Together, we can work to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during this federal funding interruption.
As always, I welcome your suggestions and questions at marilyncarterforoc@gmail.com.
IF YOU'VE NOT YET DONE SO, IT'S TIME TO FLEX THOSE VOTING MUSCLES!
Saturday, Nov. 1 is the last day to vote early from 8 am to 3 pm - locations here.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 - precinct locations here.
Orange County Commissioner
