Mecklenburg County Continues Efforts to Help SNAP Recipients

Volunteers distributing food and supplies to the needy at a charitable event on International Day of Charity

Mecklenburg County is continuing to support SNAP recipients and those in our community facing food insecurity.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, full November SNAP benefits were loaded on recipients' EBT cards on Friday, Nov. 14. SNAP participants will receive their December benefits on their usual schedule. However, food insecurity remains an issue for many residents.

“Mecklenburg County will continue to explore various avenues to help support members of our community dealing with food insecurity,” said County Manager Mike Bryant. “Our ability to shore up additional resources in response to the recent disruption in SNAP benefits, though effective, represents a fraction of what is needed.”

Mecklenburg County has been partnering with local community partners to assist as many SNAP recipients as possible. On Nov. 3, Mecklenburg County announced $740,000 in FY2026-approved funding to support multiple efforts to ensure residents had access to groceries and nutritional food options for their families.

Since that announcement, Mecklenburg County and its partners have:  

Expanded food pantry resources

  • Provided more than 9,000 individuals a 7-day supply of groceries through Nourish Up’s food pantries, mobile mass distribution sites and food shares
  • Provided more than 1000 residents 2-day food boxes  

Provided new emergency assistance

  • Distributed $50 food gift cards to more than 40 newly approved emergency SNAP participants. Additional gift cards remain available for approximately 350 qualified participants.  

Provided SNAP Double Bucks incentives at local farmers markets

  • 1,057 eligible SNAP households received special one-time $50 farmers market vouchers. These vouchers equal $52,950.  

Collected emergency food resources  

  • Placed food collection boxes at five designated Park and Recreation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library locations to support local food pantries. Nearly 1,500 pounds of food have already been donated.
  • Established a new donation link for Nourish Up, which has raised more than $6,700  

Communicated with residents about available food resources  

  • This includes sending a text message to 87,000 residents who opted into receiving text messages while visiting a Community Resource Center.  

Efforts continue to support residents in our community facing food insecurity. On Saturday, Nov. 22, Mecklenburg County will distribute 1,000 frozen turkeys as part of the Saturdays on Stitt Turkey Giveaway. Registration for this event is full.

“Our neighbors shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Department of Community Resources Director Yulonda Griffin. “Mecklenburg County remains committed to helping our neighbors access healthy, nutritious meals – both during the holidays and all year-round.”

Residents can join efforts to support their neighbors by donating at NourishUp.org/Meck-Cares or continuing to drop off food to support local food pantries. Collections will continue at these sites through Dec. 5.

To learn more about food resources offered by Mecklenburg County and community partners, visit MeckNC.gov/Food.