Press Release from United Way of NC
NC 211 Addresses SNAP Benefit Changes in North Carolina: Text 211Food to 51555
Cary, NC — Due to the prolonged Government shutdown, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced that November SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services) benefits will be halted this month due to ongoing federal funding delays. “This pause only affects new November benefits and does not take away any benefits already on your card,” states the NCDHHS site.
Find Food Resources
To address the disruption in SNAP benefits, United Way of North Carolina’s NC 211 program has issued a new way to find food resources fast on NC211.org: Text 211Food to 51555. Through this capability, information about local food pantries, meal programs, and other resources is readily available.
North Carolinians can also still dial 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 to confidentially speak to a Community Resource Specialist who can help them search for available resources. NC 211’s information and referral service is available 24/7/365 free of charge in multiple languages.
How Fellow Agencies Can Help
NC 211 advises that local agencies and nonprofits can support their communities by making sure their services are listed and up to date on NC211.org. This ensures residents can find accurate information about available food and assistance programs during this period of reduced benefits. To update your agency listing, visit: nc211.org/update-your-listing/ or visit nc211.org/add-your-agency/ to add an organization.
“Many families across North Carolina rely on SNAP each month,” said David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations. “Now more than ever, connecting people quickly to local food resources is critical — and NC 211 is here to help.”
For continued updates on SNAP benefits, visit ncdhhs.gov/FNS.
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy. To learn more, visit UnitedWayNC.org.
About NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and powered by local United Ways of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community. To learn more, visit NC211.org.