How Government Shutdown Will Impact NC SNAP & WIC Benefits

As the federal government shutdown enters its second week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says residents who rely on federal food assistance programs will continue receiving benefits through October.

The department stated that it is collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to monitor potential impacts on essential services. For now, individuals with SNAP and WIC, which support women, infants, and children, will not experience disruptions this month.

More than 1.4 million North Carolinians rely on SNAP for food assistance, while about 262,000 women, infants, and children depend on WIC for access to nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals.

NCDHHS said it is awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on what may happen if the shutdown continues into November.