Cumberland County Chairman (unnamed) convened a special meeting Oct. 24 to map local steps in case a federal government shutdown disrupts benefits for residents, including Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The board heard from public health and social services leaders about immediate impacts and what the county and partners are preparing. "More than 12,000 participants" receive local WIC services, Public Health Director Dr. Green said, and "WIC can operate through November 15" with current USDA and state funding; officials cautioned that benefits beyond that date would require additional federal or alternate funding.

Brenda Jackson, Director of the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, said the county serves "more than 33,000 households" receiving SNAP and that October benefits were distributed, but "November benefits may be delayed or disrupted" if the shutdown continues. Jackson reminded residents that unspent EBT balances carry over and recommended checking balances at ebtedge.com and applying online at epass.northcarolina.gov or in person at the DSS main office at 1225 Ramsey Street.

Commissioners pressed for operational detail: Vice Chairman Jones asked how much funding is needed to run the local WIC program and was told by County Manager Grier and Dr. Green that the local WIC budget is about $3.2 million annually for administration and that roughly $1,000,000 per month is needed to provide benefits and maintain operations. Officials said the state is coordinating with USDA to secure funding, but the county must plan for gaps if federal support lapses.

Nonprofit and partner coordination was a focus. Scott Embry, Executive Director of the United Way of Cumberland County, recommended calling NC 211 or visiting nc211.org for up-to-date listings of food banks, shelters and other services; he said the local 211 network handled about 10,300 calls this year and that United Way is distributing bilingual flyers to public locations. County PIO Diane Rice said the county created a landing page (cumberlandcountync.gov/resources) with FAQs and a yellow banner on the homepage linking to shutdown resources, and that the county will push updates on social media.

On schools, Dr. Bracey said social workers and counselors will be available and that students will continue to receive lunch daily; many schools use the Community Eligibility Provision, so students already eat free at those sites.

Officials emphasized coordination rather than immediate resource reallocation: the board did not approve emergency appropriations at the meeting, instead directing staff and community partners to continue outreach, update resource lists and prepare contingency plans. The board scheduled a press conference immediately after the meeting to share resources with the public.

How residents can get help: call 211 for referrals; use the county landing page at cumberlandcountync.gov/resources for FAQs and updates; WIC participants should continue to use benefits as usual and the WIC office will notify participants directly if funding changes. For SNAP questions or to apply, visit epass.northcarolina.gov or the DSS office at 1225 Ramsey Street.

The board adjourned after a brief motion; leaders said their priority is providing clear, credible information and coordinating partners to prevent service gaps if a shutdown continues.