ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than 29,000 Buncombe County residents in over 16,000 households stand to lose access to food assistance beginning Nov. 1, as the federal government shutdown halts funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
County and nonprofit officials warned Thursday that the pause will have an immediate and far-reaching impact on families, local food providers, and the regional economy.
“Any disruption to people’s ability to access food is concerning,” said David Sweat, Buncombe County Health and Human Services director. “The average household receives about $344 a month in SNAP benefits. Those funds help drive roughly $13 million a month into our local food economy.”
The first wave of the shutdown’s effects will hit about 1,500 families on Nov. 3, as new benefits fail to load onto existing accounts. By Nov. 21, all SNAP households in the county will be affected unless Congress restores funding.
Across North Carolina, one in eight residents relies on SNAP. Nearly half of those households include working adults, and 34 percent include an older adult or person with a disability.
The loss of federal nutrition aid comes as the region is still recovering from Tropical Storm Helene, which worsened food insecurity for many families. A recent county survey found 7 percent of respondents were already experiencing food insecurity before the shutdown.
To help fill the gap, local organizations are expanding emergency food services. MANNA FoodBank, which supports 220 partner pantries across 16 western counties, said it is now serving 195,000 visits each month, up sharply from pre-storm levels. The nonprofit has deployed an additional $1.5 million from reserves to purchase more food in anticipation of the SNAP shortfall.
Bounty & Soul, a Black Mountain-based nonprofit, said it is now serving 26,000 individuals monthly, nearly double its pre-storm volume. The organization distributes about 180,000 pounds of produce each month and warns that demand could double again if SNAP benefits remain suspended.
Local officials are urging residents to donate nonperishable food at Buncombe County’s 12 public libraries or contribute directly to MANNA FoodBank. Cash donations, officials said, help food organizations buy in bulk at lower cost.
County leaders also noted that while WIC benefits remain funded through Nov. 15, those dollars may soon lapse as well. The shutdown is already costing the county about $838,000 a week in federal reimbursements for Health and Human Services operations.
“This isn’t a natural disaster — it’s man-made,” County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said. “We’re talking about feeding our children and grandparents. These are our neighbors, and they need help now.”
Residents seeking assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org for food and resource listings.
Who qualifies for SNAP?
General requirements
- Residency: Must live in North Carolina.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant.
- Social Security Number: Required (or must have applied).
- Work: Able-bodied adults 18-54 may need to work or participate in training unless exempt.
- Note: Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Income & assets
- Income limits: Household gross/net income must be below state limits (based on household size).
- Standard households: up to $3,000.
- Households with someone 60+ or with a disability: up to $4,500.
- Deductions: Child support, rent, utilities, medical bills may reduce countable income.
Special circumstances
- Seniors (60+) & Disabled: Higher asset limits; may be exempt from work requirements.
- College Students: Usually not eligible unless meeting work exceptions.
- Physical/Mental Disabilities: May qualify for exemption from work requirements.
How to apply
Online: Use the NC ePASS system.
In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office for guidance and eligibility help.
