FNS in the News

Ashe County Department of Social Services (DSS) was awarded a Hunger Champion Award by the U.S Department of Agriculture earlier this year. The award was in recognition of the county's efforts to help households enroll in Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) (formerly the Food Stamp Program). The outreach efforts were part of a year-long partnership between Ashe County DSS and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

A recent article by AARP highlights efforts to reach seniors who face food hardship.  One way of addressing food hardship among seniors and other groups is encouraging them to apply for Food & Nutrition Services (FNS).  FNS participation among seniors is low compared to other groups; only about 30% of eligible seniors receive FNS benefits in North Carolina.  The NC Association of Feeding Ameri

The U.S Census Bureau recently reported that 46.2 million Americans lived in poverty in 2010.  While harsh economic conditions and high unemployment create challenges for many households, Food & Nutrition Services (known as SNAP nationally), helped an estimated 3.9 million Americans stay above the poverty line in 2010.  Households receiving Food & Nutrition Services are able to use their benefits to purchase food, which frees up money for other necessities, such

USDA Undersecretary Kevin Concannon recently addressed common misconceptions about SNAP (known in North Carolina as Food & Nutrition Services or FNS).  Undersecretary Concannon noted that of the record 44 million Americans receiving SNAP benefits, more than half are children, elderly, and the disabled.  The increase in SNAP participation is due in large part to the harsh economic conditions that continue to make it difficult for Americans to put enough food on the table.  In ad

The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NC DHHS) will be providing food assistance to individuals and families living in counties affected by the tornadoes on April 16th.  To learn who is eligible and how to get assistance, please visit the NC DHHS website.