fns4nc's blog

USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon visited the State Farmers' Market in Raleigh this week.  Increasingly, more and more farmers' markets throughout the country are accepting EBT cards, benefitting both FNS households and local farmers.  A new grant opportunity will make it possible for 4,000 additional farmers' markets to begin accepting EBT cards.  Read an article from the News & Observer, and click

Alleghany County residents are feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy.  For these residents, knowing where their next meal will come free or even when they might eat again is a difficult reality.  Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina works with community groups in Alleghany County to help address this problem, known as food insecurity.  Food & Nutrition Services, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, also serves to alleviate food insecurity.

Emily Kraft, an employee with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, provides FNS outreach in New Hanover County.  Emily explains the program and helps households with the FNS application.  Her efforts were highlighted in a recent article in the Star 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