Federal shutdown halts additional SNAP issuance; WIC funding briefly extended, Dare County staff say
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Summary
County staff told commissioners the federal shutdown stopped extra SNAP issuance for November (affecting about 1,800 individuals, roughly $375,000/month) while state funds appear able to support WIC through Nov. 30; county programs continue case processing but cannot disburse additional SNAP until the federal government reopens.
Dare County health and human services staff updated the Board on the local impacts of the federal government shutdown on SNAP and WIC benefits.
Sheila Davies said SNAP additional issuance ended Nov. 1; about 1,800 individuals (approximately 1,000 accounts that cover family members) are affected and the county’s typical monthly SNAP payments total about $375,000. County staff must continue case processing, applications and monitoring but cannot issue additional SNAP benefits until the federal government reopens.
Davies said WIC funding appeared to have sufficient state allocations to continue through Nov. 30, based on updates received the morning of the meeting. County staff estimate their federal reimbursement to administer SNAP and WIC runs roughly $60,000/month (SNAP staffing) and about $20,000/month (WIC staffing). Officials said the county could cover staff costs for several months if federal reimbursements lag.
County public information staff posted a resource list of local nonprofit and food‑bank contacts and urged residents to use local pantries while federal benefits are paused. Commissioners asked about prorated payments if the federal government reopens; staff said that is uncertain and under debate.
What happens next: county staff will continue program administration, monitor federal developments and maintain a public list of local resources; commissioners said they will keep pressure on state and federal contacts to resolve benefit disbursement.
Why it matters: interruptions to SNAP and WIC affect food security for lower‑income households, and the county is coordinating community resources while awaiting federal action.