NC residents to go hungry, counties to pay more for SNAP under federal changes

Massive changes to the food benefits program called SNAP have forced more people who already struggle to maintain stable lives to report work hours if they need federal support to eat. In North Carolina, SNAP enrollment declined by about 2% between Dec. 1, when the new work requirements took effect, and March. 

Former foster youth, some people who are homeless and some military veterans must show they are working, volunteering or attending training programs for at least 80 hours a month to receive food benefits under the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” spending and tax cut package passed last year. The law also raises the age limit for people who must meet work requirements to 64 from 54 unless they qualify for exemptions, and shifts more of the cost of the federal program onto state and county governments.