Hurricane Helene Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Flexibilities

Last Updated: October 4, 2024, 11:00 a.m.

Timely Reporting Waiver – Approved  

On October 1, 2024, North Carolina was approved for a waiver that provides additional time for Food and Nutrition Services participants residing in the affected disaster areas to report a food loss as a result of Hurricane Helene to their local Department of Social Services office due to displacement, transportation issues or other storm-related hardships through October 26, 2024. The waiver applies to Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  

Hot Foods Waiver –  Approved

Starting, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, FNS participants can temporarily use their benefits to purchase hot food, including food prepared for immediate consumption, from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers using their EBT card. This ensures families who are not able to prepare food at home due to displacement or power outages still have access to warm meals. FNS participants statewide will be able to purchase hot food through Nov. 3, 2024, and do not have to apply for the benefit.

Automated Mass Replacements – Not Yet Approved

NCDHHS has applied for a waiver to automatically replace a portion of FNS benefits for individuals and families in western North Carolina who have lost food purchased with their September FNS benefits. Once NCDHHS receives approval, the department will send out a notification with more details.

Disaster-SNAP – Not Yet Approved

NCDHHS is actively working with USDA to receive federal authority to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP allows more people impacted by Hurricane Helene to qualify for food assistance benefits who are not already receiving FNS benefits. More information will be communicated once the department has approval to implement the D-SNAP program.  

Find information about the FNS program, or visit epass.nc.gov.  

For information regarding Hurricane Helene and additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to ncdps.gov/Helene and ncdhhs.gov/helene.  

There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.