Mecklenburg County launches emergency food relief amid SNAP delay
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Food drive boxes at Eastway Regional Recreation Center. County leaders say diapers are also a key need. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Mecklenburg County is rolling out $740,000 in emergency food assistance to support county residents who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Why it matters: SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, are one of many areas affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Roughly 138,500 people in Mecklenburg County who rely on the program haven't received their November SNAP benefits.
- The county is not legally allowed to fund SNAP benefits, nor does it have the resources to do so, County Manager Mike Bryant told reporters Monday.
The latest: On Monday, the Trump administration announced it plans to partially fund SNAP benefits, after two federal judges ruled on Friday that the funds must be released, Axios' Josephine Walker reported.
Yes, but: Rolling out reduced benefits could "take anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months," the government said in a filing.
By the numbers: SNAP benefits distributed through Mecklenburg County equal $24 million per month, or roughly $175 per person.
- The county's latest $740,000 allocation, from its fiscal year 2026 budget, amounts to about $5.34 per recipient. This funding was already earmarked to assist with food insecurity, according to Bryant.
Zoom in: The county plans to provide 28,000 boxes with enough food for a week that will be distributed by local nonprofit Nourish Up. Food is also available at each of the county's community resource centers.
- The county will provide roughly 400 $50 food-only gift cards to residents newly approved for emergency SNAP benefits.
- There will also be roughly 2,000 one-time $50 farmers market vouchers.
- The county will distribute roughly 1,000 turkeys at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center on Nov. 22.
- Expand mobile market food distribution for SNAP-eligible seniors with additional food supply and service time.
- The county is also collecting food at five designated locations to support local food pantries: Eastway Regional Recreation Center, Northern Regional Recreation Center, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, University City Regional Library and South County Regional Library.
- The county is asking for donations to Nourish Up through its new online donation link: NourishUp.org/Meck-Cares
Zoom out: Nonprofits, local businesses, corporations, churches and individuals have stepped in during the shutdown.
- Thrift Pony raised $1,127 for Hope Street Food Pantry over the weekend.
- Trope Bookshop is hosting a donations drive through Nov. 30, focusing on personal care items and nonperishable food items that will be given to Hearts and Hands Food Pantry.
- Nourish Up is asking for people to host a food drive or to donate to its emergency fund.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is also accepting donations.
Go deeper: Where to get free food and help in Charlotte during the government shutdown