Pitt County officials warn SNAP benefits may stop Nov. 1; county, faith groups scramble to coordinate emergency aid

Pitt County officials told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 20 that federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) deposits could stop on Oct. 31, leaving roughly 14,000 benefit cases in the county without scheduled nutrition payments.

The warning came during the manager's report from Michele Gallagher and a presentation by Sharon Rochelle, director of the Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS). "We were notified last Thursday that food nutrition services and SNAP ... those SNAP benefits will end on October 31," Rochelle said, adding that November benefits also "might be delayed" and that staff were told not to process additional applications in NCFAST for November disbursements.

Why it matters: DSS handles issuance of SNAP benefits and is the visible local contact when federal funding stops. Officials said the halt could affect thousands of residents and local businesses that rely on EBT spending. Rochelle said Pitt County handles about $11 million a month in SNAP benefits and serves about 14,000 cases, which likely represents a larger number of individuals.

What officials described: Gallagher and Rochelle briefed the board on immediate steps and possible community responses. Rochelle said DSS staff are funded about 50% by county and 50% by state dollars but noted that the benefits themselves come from federal funding. She said DSS will continue working with community partners and that staff might be reassigned to support relief operations.

Faith and nonprofit leaders told commissioners they are organizing to expand food distribution, but they cautioned the gap was far larger than existing relief networks can cover. "If there's a will, there's a way. And your faith community and your nonprofits will partner, and we will do everything that we can," said Reverend Andrew Shue of First Christian Church, who described efforts to coordinate congregations, Joy Soup Kitchen and Greenville Community Shelter.

DSS and county staff gave immediate practical details: Thomas Knight (Social Services maintenance division) and others said the county has set up phone lines for residents seeking help: the main DSS number (252) 902-1110 and a hunt-group number (252) 902-1352. The county also launched an online resource list from DSS with food and housing resources; the public information officer planned a press release and to circulate the link the next day.

Board reaction and next steps: Commissioners pressed for a coordinated plan that prioritizes county residents and reduces duplicate requests at multiple pantries. Several commissioners urged broader, long-term transportation and social service planning as the region urbanizes. Gallagher and Rochelle said they are convening faith leaders, nonprofits and partner agencies (United Way, Salvation Army) and exploring options such as channeling donated funds through DSS or leveraging existing pantries to triage needs.

Limitations and uncertainties: Officials repeatedly warned the situation could change rapidly if federal action reverses the funding halt. Rochelle said the details she gave reflect the information available at the meeting and could change. She also emphasized that DSS is the local face of a federal funding interruption, not the cause of it.

Ending: The board did not adopt a formal new policy at the meeting, but directed staff to continue coordination with city and nonprofit partners and to return with more detailed plans if needed. DSS officials said they could offer a fuller report at the board's Nov. 3 meeting if conditions warrant it.