Every day, families across our communities work hard to put food on the table, care for loved ones and build stable futures. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one food assistance program that helps families weather difficult times while supporting local economies, farmers and businesses.
Because of H.R. 1, a new law passed by Congress and enacted last summer, North Carolina is facing significantly higher costs to operate SNAP and continue providing food assistance to families across the state. Without additional time to prepare, state lawmakers in North Carolina could be forced into difficult tradeoffs—including reducing SNAP access, cutting other essential community services or raising taxes on residents
These are avoidable outcomes. Congress created this cost shift through H.R. 1, and Congress also has the opportunity to prevent harm by acting now to delay it. A two-year delay for all states would give North Carolina the time needed to stabilize operations, strengthen program accuracy and protect families from disruptions to the food assistance that helps them afford groceries during tough times.
TAKE ACTIONImplementing the SNAP cost shift too quickly could have real ripple effects across local communities and economies. The program is a proven strength for local economies. It helps families access nutritious food while also supporting the businesses that serve them every day, from neighborhood grocery stores and small retailers to farmers and producers, especially in rural communities.
When families use SNAP benefits, those dollars don’t stop at the checkout line; they circulate locally, helping sustain jobs, support local food systems and keep small businesses strong. In fact, every SNAP dollar generates additional economic activity in communities across the country, reinforcing the connection between food access and local economic stability.
Now is the time to stand together and protect this critical support for families facing hunger. Together, we can help ensure families continue to have access to the food and stability they need to thrive.
