Narrowing the Approach: How to Get Help with SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) official logo. Photo Creds: USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Grant Painter, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn 

This week, the United States finds itself in what is now the longest government shutdown in this country’s history. As the shutdown continues, it disrupts several processes within the US government, including food assistance for families in need.

“Longer shutdowns are certainly impactful on state and local governments,” said Samuel Vining, a history teacher at WHS. “For one, workers who are furloughed will have to pull out of their savings to pay for everything from childcare to groceries.”

Many Americans do not have the recommended 3 month’s salary in savings to offset a major purchase, such as an unexpected medical bill or a car repair. The current federal administration has made no promises to provide backpay to federal employees once the government reopens. 

“Many state and local entities are governed by regulatory laws set by some of our federal agencies and are funded by grants from these agencies. When a shutdown happens, permit processing gets delayed and checks don't come in as frequently,” said Vining.  This might include FEMA payments. “Helene recovery projects that might be funded by federal agency dollars might be slowed down as well.”

Effects are trickling down to lower levels of government, including to local communities which handle SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

“FNS, also known as SNAP, or food stamps, is a federally funded program,” states the website for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or NCDHHS. “During a federal government shutdown, USDA must provide authorization and funding for states to issue monthly benefits. Until that authorization and funding is received, North Carolina cannot load November benefits onto EBT cards.” 

Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed NCDHHS to pause all November SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025. This means no new benefits will be added to EBT cards in November unless federal funding is restored. When an individual who relies on SNAP benefits visits the grocery store the following weekend, their EBT card will decline.

According to the most recent NCDHHS report, as of September 2025, North Carolina has 1,358,784 registered participants in SNAP/FNS programs. 1,777 participants are in Watauga County, 3,545 in neighboring Ashe, and 1,785 in Avery. This can quickly become detrimental for the most vulnerable families. However, for these families, there are people who can and are willing to help.

“We are deeply concerned about the public health impact of losing critical food assistance support for people in our communities,” said Jennifer Greene, Public Health Director at Appalachian District Health Department. “Nutrition is a cornerstone of health, and food insecurity impacts many of our neighbors. We urge all community members, businesses, and community partners to donate what they can to support our food outreach partners including, but not limited to, the Hunger and Health Coalition, Hospitality House of Northwestern NC, and Casting Bread Food Pantry.”

For those wishing to further support food accessibility in local communities, the F.A.R.M. Cafe has a special program where patrons can dine and contribute. In addition, the High Country Food Hub serves Ashe and Watauga Counties and has an online store where people can buy locally produced foods and products and support the Double Bucks food program, adding to SNAP program recipient benefits. These partners all have donation ideas on their website, and many also take financial donations as well.

“One area of importance is also noting how important the school meals program is for students,” said Greene. “Supporting your local school district in meeting needs for all students can be another important way to help.”

For pregnant individuals who rely on food stamps/SNAP, this time can be especially dangerous. Help is available for those in need in the form of the WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) Supplemental Nutrition Program which is administered by AppHealthCare.

“Thankfully, this program is funded into November due to previously awarded contingency funds to NC from the US Department of Agriculture,” said Greene. “We are unaware of benefits that will continue if the government shutdown continues beyond the current funded time period that is expected to last into mid November. This program helps with special nutritious foods and infant formula.”

Specific resources are also available in different locations throughout North Carolina for individuals struggling with the loss of SNAP benefits but not without difficulty. State and local governments budget around federal support.

“Speaking for Ashe County, it would be difficult to find local funding to make up the difference in what is lost from the federal government. This year and last, it would be impossible because of other budget constraints related to Hurricane Helene and ongoing recovery,” said Adam Stumb, Ashe County manager. “Our Department of Social Services is working hard to find solutions to this problem. Tracie McMillan, our Social Services Director, is working on a community food drive to bolster supplies at our local food banks. Additionally, she is starting a local food coalition to help these food banks share information and resources in times of crisis like this. Their first meeting kicks off next week.”

For those in immediate need or looking to help in Ashe County, Stumb directs them to the Ashe Food Pantry, Ashe Outreach Ministries, and Ashe Really Cares: Food and Clothing Pantry. 

As the shutdown continues, anxiety surrounding the situation, and its subsequent consequences, is rising. A lot of stress is caused by misunderstanding about what exactly is going on.

“I can tell you on the front end that I don't expect this to end anytime soon. As of the timing of this email we are at the 19 day mark,” said Vining, in an email sent on October 20, 2025. “Shutdowns happen largely because a certain group within our legislative branch wants something in the annual budget that the majority group isn't willing to give them. Oftentimes it is a certain program within the budget. In this case, it seems as though the Democratic caucus wants more healthcare appropriations that Congressional Republicans aren't willing to budge on.”

Many expect the shutdown to continue on its current path.

“I wouldn't be surprised if we have a publicized end to the shutdown around Thanksgiving,” said Vining. “59 days. I'm usually half-full on the world around us, but I'm pessimistic about this one. Both sides are pretty strong-willed this October and I don't see any compromise coming while we are in the spooky season. Maybe the Thanksgiving spirit will break the mood.”

For those in need, resources are available.

• Hunger and Health Coalition - https://www.hungerandhealthcoalition.org/donate

• Hospitality House of Northwestern NC - https://www.hosphouse.org/food

• Casting Bread Food Pantry - https://www.increasefoodsecurity.org/

• FARM Cafe (Feed All Regardless of Means) - https://farmcafe.org/

• High Country Food Hub - https://highcountryfoodhub.localfoodmarketplace.com/Products

• Women, Infant, and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program - https://www.apphealthcare.com/nutrition-services/

• Ashe Food Pantry - https://ashefoodpantry.org/

• Ashe Outreach Ministries - https://www.asheoutreach.com/

• Ashe Really Cares: Food and Clothing Pantry - https://ashereallycares.com/