Benefits Outreach

Woman with her son and daughter

If you are interested in applying for Food Stamp benefits, also known as Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) in North Carolina, please contact a Benefits Outreach Coordinator for assistance. Our team of Benefits Outreach Coordinators are also happy to answer questions you may have about FNS/Food Stamp eligibility.

Click here to complete a contact form to request assistance.

“I was directed to the Food Bank when I tried to fill out the [SNAP] application and I am so glad that I was. The gentleman that helped was so kind and helpful. All my life I have worked very hard and now that I am in need made me feel ashamed. He made me feel unashamed. SNAP has helped me a lot, and I am thankful for the program.”  -Applicant

“Instead of buying food, I would go to food pantries or food banks to get food. After getting food stamps, I could go to the store and choose what I wanted. Now when I go shopping, I make sure I eat a good breakfast and munch on fruit for a snack. I am able to get all the ingredients that I need in a recipe. Before food stamps I wasn’t able to get all the ingredients I need to make my special lasagna. Now I can make it the way that I am supposed to make it – there is nothing missing.”  -Applicant

“At 70 years of age, attempting to live on less than $1,000. a month, SNAP is currently a God send. I am eating healthier. I am able to afford more fresh vegetables and fruits. I have purchased some foods that I like but haven’t been affordable for me.”  -Applicant

Food Bank Benefits Outreach Contacts

Benefits Outreach Coordinators are available to help answer questions about eligibility and the application process and assist with completing your application using our convenient fillable form. Contact any Outreach Coordinator or request for them to call you.

Para asistencia con aplicaciones para las estampillas de comida y otros programas, contacte a Milagros Guzman o Andrea Cherry.

Additional Resources

North Carolina also offers an Online application called EPASS. 

For assistance with existing FNS cases, please contact your local DSS office. 

If you need food assistance while waiting for your application to process, visit our local pantry finder to find help near you. 

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5 years of age, you may be eligible for WIC. WIC referrals can be completed online with NC DHHS: www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwicreferral.

FNS Interview Process

Phone interviews are required for all applicants who have a Social Security Number ending in an even-numbered digit. Households with less than $150 per month in income may be eligible for expedited benefits. The processing time for expedited benefits is seven calendar days. All other cases may take up to 25 calendar days to process.