The Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) is alerting residents that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) — may not be issued in November 2025 if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues past the end of October and no contingency funds are made available by the federal government.
Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have informed states that, due to the shutdown, funding for SNAP beyond Oct. 31 cannot be guaranteed. While October benefits have already been disbursed, there is no current funding to ensure November benefits will be issued on schedule.
“We understand how critical food benefits are for Orange County families,” said Orange County DSS Director Lindsey Shewmaker. “We want residents to know that we are monitoring the situation closely and will share updates as soon as we receive official information from the state or federal level.”
What this means for SNAP recipients
- October benefits have already been loaded or issued as normal.
- November benefits may be delayed or reduced if federal funding is not restored before the end of October.
- Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and identify local food assistance options in case of a temporary gap in benefits.
- Orange County DSS will provide immediate updates on its website (www.orangecountync.gov/DSS), social media channels, and through local media as soon as more information becomes available.
What residents can do now
- Check your EBT balance and use October benefits as you normally would. Balances can be checked by using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
- Any balance remaining on your EBT card can continue to be used.
- Keep your contact information up to date with Orange County DSS to receive alerts or notices.
- Stay informed through county announcements and NCDHHS updates.
- Locate emergency food resources such as local food pantries, meal programs, and community partners.
- A full list of resources is available at: go.ncsu.edu/feedorangecounty
“This is a federal issue, but Orange County and our state partners are working together to make sure residents have accurate information and access to community support,” said Jamezetta Bedford, Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair. “We encourage everyone affected to stay connected and use local resources if needed.”
What the county is doing
- Orange County Social Services is coordinating with state agencies and tracking federal updates around SNAP funding and distribution schedules.
- Orange County Social Services and the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Orange County Center are also working with local food assistance partners (food banks, community organizations) to plan for increased demand in case of benefit delay or reduction.
How the community can help
Orange County residents can support neighbors by donating to local food pantries, volunteering at community meal programs, and sharing verified updates from county sources. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during this federal funding interruption.
For information about how to support local food pantries, visit https://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/foodsecurity/how-to-host-a-food-drive/
Local Food Assistance Resources
Residents in need of immediate food support can contact:
- Orange County DSS: (919) 245-2800; or by email at dssinfo@orangecountync.gov
A full list of resources is available at: go.ncsu.edu/feedorangecounty
Stay Informed
Orange County DSS will continue to coordinate with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to track developments. Updates will be posted online and shared with local media as soon as official information is available.
Residents are encouraged to contact the DSS office if they have questions or concerns about their case or if they need a referral to local emergency food resources.
For more information on FNS benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown you may also visit NCDHHS’s website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns