Catawba County News
Potential Federal Shutdown Impact on Local Families Receiving Food Assistance
Published: October 27, 2025
Catawba County Department of Social Services (DSS) is closely monitoring the potential impact of the federal government shutdown on families who receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), also known as SNAP.
In Catawba County, 10,730 households—representing 22,149 individuals—currently receive $3.4 million in food assistance benefits each month. These dollars not only help families put food on the table but also sustain our local economy. Retailers such as grocery stores and major chains like Walmart rely on SNAP purchases for an estimated 11–18% of their total sales.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), more than a million North Carolinians experience food insecurity, including one in six children. Eighty percent of families participating in SNAP in North Carolina include a child, senior, or adult with a disability.
This week, NCDHHS notified county DSS agencies that it received a letter from the federal government on October 16 indicating FNS benefits for November may be disrupted if the federal shutdown continues. If that occurs, thousands of Catawba County residents may not receive their benefits as usual.
While this possibility creates understandable concern, Catawba County is fortunate to have a strong network of non-profit and faith-based partners who stand ready to help meet community needs. DSS relies on these dedicated partners every day to fill service gaps for our most vulnerable neighbors, and together, we remain steadfast in our shared mission of care and compassion.
From Summer Jenkins, Executive Director, The Corner Table:
“Any reduction in FNS benefits means more families facing difficult choices about how to put food on the table. We’re committed to being there for them, but we’ll need our community’s support to meet the growing need. Together, we can make sure every neighbor has enough to eat.”
From Kristal Manning, Executive Director, Ashure Ministry:
“If FNS benefits are delayed or reduced, we know our food pantry will see a sharp increase in need. Our team will do everything we can to respond, but we’ll need our community’s continued support to keep up. Times like this remind us how important it is to stand together and care for one another.”
From Austin Pearce, Executive Director, Hickory Soup Kitchen:
“We are seeing an increase in the number of guests served through our grocery while also an increase in the cost of food we are purchasing already. I believe the further loss of benefits will only exacerbate the challenges our guests face. Further loss could stretch our organization, and its sustainability might also be at risk.”
Access to healthy foods was identified in the 2023 Catawba County Community Health Assessment as one of the top health needs in our county. Programs like SNAP and WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, help meet the nutritional needs of our county’s most vulnerable residents. WIC provides nutritional building blocks like milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables to help children get a healthy start in life.
Despite the uncertainty, Catawba County DSS remains hopeful. Social Services Director, Karen Harrington emphasized, “Our community is resilient. We’ve seen time and again how our partners, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations come together to ensure families are supported. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”
Resources for Families
Check your FNS balance using the ebtEDGE mobile app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
Catawba County Public Health’s Community Health Workers are available to help families find and use available resources to help meet their needs for essential services that address food, housing, health care and other needs. To request their assistance, visit Catawba County Public Health’s web site.
Find local food and housing resources by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting NC211.org. NC 211 is available 24/7, in multiple languages, to connect residents with local food pantries, meal programs, and essential services. In addition, you can visit this link on the United Way resources page, as well: https://www.ccunitedway.com/catawba-county-food-resources
For more information on FNS benefits and federal shutdown updates, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns.
Catawba County DSS extends deep gratitude to the many organizations, churches, and volunteers who continue to help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry—especially during times of uncertainty.