The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working to issue SNAP benefits at a reduced amount for November 2025, based on instructions from the USDA.
1.4 million North Carolinians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE
Resources to find food assistance in North Carolina.
Resources from Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
LEARN MORE AND TAKE ACTION
Learn more about how our partners are responding and sharing info:
UPDATE WEDNESDAY NOV. 5, 2025
From our partners at the Durham Food Security Network:
Current Situation
- SNAP –
- What we do know:
- November SNAP benefits will be partially funded. – USDA was ordered by federal judges to use their emergency funds to pay these benefits during the continued government shutdown.
- What we don’t know:
- Exactly how much each household will receive – According to NCDHHS, most households will receive less than half of their normal benefits.
- Exactly when households will get their benefits – NCDHHS reports they expect benefits to be loaded on EBT cards next week and will continue to share updates.
- Learn more:
- NC DHHS – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps#WhyareNovemberbenefitsatrisk-10807
- NPR article (11/3) – https://www.npr.org/2025/11/03/g-s1-96296/trump-deadline-contingency-funds-snap
- FRAC statement (10/31) – https://frac.org/news/courtrulingsnovembersnapoct2025?emci=64e889b8-95b6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=b3beb4ac-a0b6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=4999092
- What we do know:
- WIC –
- WIC is fully funded in NC for November. The State has agreed to fill any gaps in federal funding through the end of the month. Funding beyond Nov. 30 is not guaranteed.
- Learn more:
- Politico article (11/3) – https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/03/trump-quietly-funds-wic-moms-babies-food-aid-00633444
- WUNC article (10/31) – https://www.wunc.org/term/news/2025-10-31/wic-benefits-november-snap-pause-federal-shutdown
- Continue to check on your friends, family, and neighbors. Hunger is often invisible. Most households receiving SNAP include someone who is working. SNAP households also include veterans, children, and people with disabilities.
- Share food resources
- Durham County Government has developed a food resources flyer (attached in PDF and PNG) with links to food security programs throughout the county. It includes a QR code to the new Durham County community food resources webpage that lists many resources.
- Emergency Food Resource List – End Hunger Durham is compiling a list of emergency food resources as more pop up every day.See links below to access and add to the list, as well as details on the attached flyer – please share widely.
- Access the list here – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t18QXNXrtYxvlksvxmmfxzR_p-kt-C98pdE-2EP_ins/edit?usp=sharing
- Help to share other resources – As you learn about or create new food resources, please share them here to add to the list: https://forms.gle/GQzhxyguKuNUvZUw8
- Share accurate information
- NC DHHS has the most accurate and up-to-date information (note that information from other states may not apply to NC, please only share NC DHHS and Durham DSS info)
- Monitor the NC Food and Nutrition Services homepage and NC WIC homepage for the most current public-facing information.
- Durham DSS will also post info on their website https://dconc.gov/Social-Services and social media channels.
- Current messaging to share with families
- SNAP: Source: NC DHHS press release (11/4)
- Beneficiaries should see the partial benefits loaded onto the cards by the middle of next week. SNAP beneficiaries will receive a reduction in benefits for November that will vary depending on the amount they usually receive.
- Check Your SNAP Balance: Any benefits currently on your EBT card are still available to use. Your benefits will not expire because of the federal shutdown. Check your balance on the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card (1-888-622-7328).
- Continue to Apply and Renew to SNAP: All residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent added backlog when funding is restored.
- WIC: NC WIC is still operational and remains open for business.
- SNAP: Source: NC DHHS press release (11/4)
- Support our Emergency Food System – We know that SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 meal provided by a food bank/food pantry. This means that our already strained emergency food providers need extra help to support our community. Financial donations are always needed. Please call organizations before donating food.
- The Food Bank of Eastern & Central NC supports many of our food pantries and is a great place to offer your help. Here is the FBECNC donation link and more FBECNC giving and volunteer information
- Support your neighborhood food pantry or organization. Reach out any of the Durham food pantries, the Durham Community Fridges, mutual aid groups, and other organizations to ask how you can help.
- Keep an eye out for food drives. Many groups are organizing them to support neighbors.
- See attached “How to Help” flyer for more ideas (attached in PDF and PNG)
- Durham Community Fridges – FREE & open 24/7 – Need food right now or can’t get to a pantry? Visit one of the Durham locations.Learn more here and on Instagram @durmcommunityfridges
- Food Bank Food Finder – The Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC network currently includes 67 local pantries, meal sites, shelters, and delivery programs in Durham County. All non-confidential locations are listed on their FoodFinder site, which is searchable based on address, county, or current location. Hours of operation are also included.
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation – List of Resources for Families and Communities
- Activate Good – Get help with your volunteer needs by signing up as a community partner.
How to Stay Informed and Share Your Voice
This situation is still changing. Below are resources to learn more and get involved.
Articles and News Sources
- Size of November SNAP payments revealed: Here’s the minimum, maximum benefits – The Hill (11/5/25)
- Amid SNAP Turmoil, These Options Can Help Fill the Food Gap – Civil Eats (11/5/25)
- When SNAP benefits will arrive is still in flux. Here’s what communities are doing to fill the gap – NPR (11/4/25)
- NC Newsline – Timely information about SNAP and other state policy issues
- Civil Eats Food Policy Tracker – Frequent, brief updates on federal food policy issues
Action:
- FRAC action alert – Supports full SNAP benefits
- Mom’s Rising action center – Includes multiple relevant action alerts
- WIC association action alert – Supports full WIC funding for the entire federal fiscal year
UPDATE MONDAY NOV. 3, 2025
NCDHHS is working to issue SNAP benefits at reduced amount for November 2025, based on information from the USDA. The below was shared with NC counties as of Monday, Nov. 3.
“USDA has filed a Compliance Report today in Rhode Island State Council of Churches, et. al., v. Brooke Rollins today stating that USDA will issue reduced SNAP benefits in November 2025 in compliance with the Temporary Restraining Order issued by United States District Court Judge John McConnell on Saturday, November 1, 2025. USDA has instructed the Court that they will be notifying State Agencies of the effective date of the reduction and the percentage SNAP allotments will be reduced later today. NCDHHS is waiting for additional guidance from USDA on the issuance of November 2025 FNS benefits. NCDHHS is prepared to update our systems to allow for the issuance of reduced November 2025 benefits as soon as we receive notification and revised issuance tables from USDA. We will update Counties when we receive more information.”