Guilford County is monitoring and planning for impacts of the federal government shutdown across all departments, including Guilford’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which may experience the most immediate implications for residents. HHS manages the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. These federally funded programs provide cash assistance to residents to purchase essential food items. While funding is federally allocated, the programs are administered locally by the county under the direction of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

The county continues to work with the state and our local community partners to understand the timing of potential impacts on residents’ services and supports, as well as the related fiscal and operational implications. 

The average number of Guilford County households receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits each month is 41,845, totaling $ 15.5 million. Approximately 13,670 residents receive WIC benefits, averaging just over $1 million per month. 

Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

Tab/Accordion Items

A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding bills or a continuing resolution to authorize federal spending. Without that funding, many agencies must suspend nonessential operations.

We are:

  • Reviewing federally-funded programs to identify impacts to North Carolina and Guilford County specifically.
  • Monitoring developments closely with County leadership and our Health and Human Services Business Operations team.
  • Communicating with community-based organizations to understand capacity and support a coordinated response.  
  • Striving to deliver clear, relevant information to the public regarding possible changes to typical services and resources for Guilford County residents.

The County’s core services are funded through local or state sources, not directly by federal appropriations. We expect continuity in those operations.

The County is also responsible for administering federally-funded health and human services programs. Two programs that may be affected by the shutdown in the future are:

Please click the links above to visit the NCDHHS website to learn more about these programs and current State guidance.  

The county continues to work with the State and our local community partners to understand the timing of potential impacts to residents’ services and supports, as well as related fiscal and operational implications. 

Please see the links below for food assistance and resources information.

If you need access to additional food resources, please call NC211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.  

The Register of Deeds Passport Acceptance Facility remains open at this time. Please visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for information regarding processing times.

The United States Department of Agriculture has ordered a pause on all November SNAP benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. Unless the USDA lifts their suspension in the coming days, November SNAP benefits will not be issued.  The NC Department of Health and Human Services is ready to act quickly if the USDA allows North Carolina to resume November SNAP benefits.

Please visit NC DHHS: Food and Nutrition Services Food Stamps for the most up-to-date guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

Yes, households in need of nutritional assistance are encouraged to apply for SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown. Your local Department of Social Services are open. You may apply in person, by mail, and online at epass.nc.gov. For more information visit NCDHHS’s FNS webpage.

Yes, EBT cards will work normally.

  • The United States Department of Agriculture has ordered a pause on all November SNAP benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. Unless the USDA lifts their suspension in the coming days, November SNAP benefits will not be issued.  The NC Department of Health and Human Services is ready to act quickly if the USDA allows North Carolina to resume November SNAP benefits
  • Social Security, SSI, Medicare, and Veterans Services benefits are not expected to be affected by the federal government shutdown. Customer service needs may be delayed due to longer telephone wait times. 

Yes. Any FNS benefits currently on your EBT card remain available to use. Benefits do not expire due to the federal shutdown. 

Adult day care and in-home aid services will be operating normally during the shutdown.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) received notification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that operations will continue during the lapse in appropriations. There is sufficient funding for Medicaid through December 31, 2025.  

The USDA’s Greensboro Service Center office located in the Agriculture Building is closed due to the shutdown. While USDA funding and programs are unavailable during the shutdown, technical support for agriculture needs is still available through both NC Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water offices, which are open and staffed to serve you in the Guilford County Agriculture Building, located at 3309 Burlington Road in Greensboro. 

Other Latest Updates

For the most recent updates from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), visit their Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps).

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