RICHMOND COUNTY — Two of Richmond County Government’s vital nutrition assistance programs have remained open despite the ongoing shutdown due to political deadlock and failure to pass the legislative budget. North Carolina requested and received additional funding for these programs in order to avoid disruption in benefits to NC families and in hopes the shutdown would soon come to an end.
If the Federal Government shutdown persists past the end of October, there will be potential disruptions to November WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) that administers SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program) benefits. This may result in November WIC and FNS benefits not being issued on the usual schedule or for the regular benefit amount. We recognize the importance of these benefits and will continue to provide updates to our participants as soon as additional federal guidance is available.
Administrative leaders have been closely monitoring and preparing potentially affected families for what may lie ahead over the next few weeks. If a “Stop Work” Order comes down from the NCDHHS, that means no more financial benefits can be loaded onto cards for families to access nutritious foods. All participants will be given a 3-day notice before their benefit stoppage. Staff have already alerted participating families of this possibility and have told them how to best prepare. These supplemental programs are to enhance access to healthy options for families and should not be used as a sole means to obtain the nutritious food families need.
Richmond County WIC staff have already alerted local food banks and are working with them to handle the increased demand for services they expect to see and to ensure they are collecting baby food and infant formula along with other goods. The staff will remain working to provide services to clients through breastfeeding education and support, nutrition counseling and health screenings that are vital to keeping women and infants healthy.
In Richmond County, there are close to 2100 (women, infants and children) currently enrolled in the WIC program. In the FNS program, Richmond County served 6,058 cases or households in September 2025, resulting in $2,143,417 worth of benefits. We also recognize the local economic impact this could have on local vendors and stores who will see a lower redemption of these benefits each month until the shutdown ends.
For further information on FNS benefits and the impact of the federal shutdown, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns. You can also check your balance using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
NC211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org to connect with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. Available 24/7 and in multiple languages.
What is WIC?
WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides food, education and counseling to nearly 7 million at-risk pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals annually, as well as infants and children up to 5 years old.
What is FNS?
FNS or Food and Nutrition Service is a division of the USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) responsible for administering SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food purchasing assistance to low- and no-income individuals and families in the United States.