In the face of proposed federal budget cuts, food assistance programs in North Carolina are bracing for unprecedented challenges. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a lifeline for over 1.4 million North Carolinians—including low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities—is at risk as Congress considers shifting costs to states and tightening eligibility requirements. This article explores the impact of these potential cuts, the vital role of SNAP, and the broader consequences for communities across the state.
The Importance of SNAP in North Carolina
SNAP: A Critical Safety Net
SNAP, known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in North Carolina, is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States. It provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. In North Carolina, SNAP supports more than 1.4 million residents, representing about 13% of the state’s population. The program is especially crucial in rural areas and small towns, where one in six residents relies on SNAP compared to one in nine in metropolitan areas.
Who Relies on SNAP?
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Children: More than 66% of SNAP households in North Carolina include children.
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Seniors and People with Disabilities: Over 34% of SNAP households include seniors or adults with disabilities.
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Working Families: From 2019 to 2023, an average of 80% of SNAP households included someone who was working.
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Veterans: More than 46,000 North Carolina veterans benefit from SNAP.
Proposed Federal Cuts and Their Impact
Congressional Budget Proposals
Recent federal budget proposals include significant cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a budget bill that would require states to contribute more to SNAP while the federal government reduces its share. Currently, the federal government covers the full cost of SNAP food benefits and half of administrative costs. The proposed changes would force North Carolina to pay up to $700 million to maintain current benefit levels, potentially forcing the state to reduce benefits, limit eligibility, or cut other essential services.
Economic and Social Consequences
SNAP cuts would have far-reaching effects:
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Food Insecurity: More than a million North Carolinians are already food insecure, including one in six children. Cuts would push more people to food banks, which are already struggling to meet demand.
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Health Outcomes: Research shows that SNAP improves health, reduces childhood poverty, and decreases healthcare costs. For example, older adults’ participation in SNAP is associated with fewer hospital and long-term care admissions, saving an estimated $2,360 per person annually in Medicaid costs.
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Local Economies: SNAP benefits support local retailers, farmers, and producers. The program is responsible for 7,772 jobs and generates more than $218 million in wages across grocery and supporting industries in North Carolina.
Voices from the Frontlines
Food Banks and Nonprofits Sound the Alarm
Food assistance organizations across the state are preparing for the worst. Amy Beros, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, notes that while her organization is used to adjustments in federal funding, the current proposals threaten to significantly reduce resources for those in need. Melissa Driver Beard, executive director of CORA, a Chatham County food assistance program, calculates that her organization faces the loss of $313,788 in federal support—a gap that cannot be filled by fundraising alone.
Uncertainty and Planning Challenges
Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up, a food pantry network in Mecklenburg County, describes the current environment as “reeling and feeling whiplash.” The uncertainty about available funds has made it difficult for nonprofits to plan for the future, especially as demand for food assistance remains at record highs.
SNAP’s Role in Disaster Recovery
Hurricane Helene and SNAP
SNAP has played a vital role in supporting communities affected by disasters. After Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented flooding in late September 2024, SNAP saw 169,000 new applications in October—the highest since Hurricane Florence in 2018. By March 2025, 239,000 people in the 25 most impacted counties relied on SNAP, highlighting the program’s importance in disaster response.
SNAP 2025: Benefit Levels and Eligibility
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
For Fiscal Year 2025, SNAP benefits have been adjusted to reflect the cost of living. The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four in the contiguous U.S. is $975, up from previous years. Eligibility is based on household income and size, with income limits set at 130% of the federal poverty line.
SNAP 2025 Maximum Monthly Benefits
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (Contiguous U.S.) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$220 |
Eligibility Requirements
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Income: Below 130% of the federal poverty line.
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Resources: Limited assets (with some exemptions).
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Work Requirements: For able-bodied adults without dependents, work or training requirements apply.
The Broader Context: Food Insecurity and Public Health
Nutrition and Health
Poor nutrition and food insecurity are linked to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues. SNAP benefits help families afford healthier foods, which can improve overall health and reduce healthcare costs.
Economic Ripple Effects
SNAP benefits not only help individuals and families but also stimulate local economies. Every dollar spent on SNAP generates economic activity, supporting jobs and businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and retail.
Advocacy and the Path Forward
Calls to Action
Advocates are urging North Carolinians to contact their lawmakers to protect SNAP benefits. Food banks and nonprofits are also reaching out to private donors, but as Postel notes, “there’s not a fund drive in the world that can make up the gap that our government is creating”.
The Political Landscape
The debate over SNAP cuts has become highly politicized, with North Carolina’s congressional delegation split along party lines. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has warned that the proposed cuts would force the state to make “perilous budget decisions,” choosing between food assistance and other essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many people in North Carolina receive SNAP benefits?
About 1.42 million people, or 13% of the state’s population, receive SNAP benefits each month.
2. What is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four in 2025?
The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four is $975 in the contiguous U.S.
3. What are the main risks if SNAP is cut?
Cuts would increase food insecurity, harm public health, strain food banks, and hurt local economies.
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