Here’s how to apply for food assistance, and where to use the benefit in Charlotte
.jpg "In this photo taken Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, a sign announcing the acceptance of electronic Benefit Transfer cards is seen at a farmers market in Roseville, Calif. Currently food stamp recipients have had problems purchasing food at farmer’s markets because many of them do not accept the EBT cards that food stamp recipients use to buy groceries. A bill currently in the legislature would change that by helping farmers markets overcome bureaucratic hurdles to obtain the equipment needed to read the benefit cards.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)")
Each year, millions of Americans benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), designed to provide low-income families with the food they need for a nutritional diet.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 15% of North Carolina residents were SNAP participants in fiscal year 2021. Recent data also shows that 12.1% of North Carolinians were food insecure, meaning their access to food was limited by lack of resources, according to CBPP.
Here’s how to apply for SNAP benefits, and where you can use them in Charlotte.
RELATED: Mecklenburg’s food stamp delay is the worst in NC. Residents have waited months for help.
Where to get immediate food assistance in Charlotte
For immediate food assistance, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479. The hotline operates from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals can also contact a local church or food banks for assistance.
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Who qualifies for SNAP benefits?
If your annual income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty line, you are eligible for SNAP benefits. You can visit benefits.gov and select your household size to determine your eligibility.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, there are three ways to apply:
Apply online with ePASS
Apply in person at the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS)
Fill out an application and mail it to or drop it off at the DSS office
After your application is approved, your benefits will be issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, similar to a bank card, according to NCDHHS.
Recipients who are disabled or unable to shop for themselves can name a trusted family member or friend as an authorized representative. This person will get an EBT card that has full access to the recipient’s account and be able to shop for them. To name a representative, contact the DSS call center at 704-336-3000.
Where to use SNAP benefits in Charlotte
The SNAP Retailer Locator on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website shows more than 500 stores in Charlotte that accept food stamps, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Publix, Aldi and dollar store locations.
According to the USDA, EBT cards can only be used to purchase:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snacks
Seeds and plants that produce household food.
Benefits cannot be used to purchase detergents, paper products, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
This story was originally published June 21, 2022 at 12:55 PM.
