The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and its partners with the State Nutrition Action Coalition (SNAC) have released a new NC Food and Nutrition Resource Programs quick reference guide, which provides a snapshot of 14 different U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service programs available in North Carolina, like the Summer Nutrition Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These programs provide a vital source of support and aim to reduce food insecurity among under-served populations.
While these programs reach residents of all ages, those eligible may not know they could be receiving services. Local agencies and service providers are encouraged to use the guide, available in both English and Spanish, to help direct program clients and program participants to food and nutrition services available.
“The partners in our coalition identified this as a need early on and wanted to address ways to collaborate together to reach more North Carolinians with healthier foods and nutrition education,” said Rachel Pohlman, SNAC co-chair. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are relying on these important safety net programs yet more can still be served.”
North Carolina’s SNAC is a state-level collaborative with active representation from state agencies and nonprofits that implement USDA/FNS programs. Together, the SNAC partnering organizations reach people throughout their lives, providing food benefits, nutrition education, healthy community changes and obesity prevention services to reduce food insecurity and improve the quality of life of North Carolinians.
The NC Food and Nutrition Resource Programs guide is available online and in a downloadable print version for local departments of social services and providers to use when advising current and potential beneficiaries of these services. For more information about these resources or to receive additional printed copies of this resource, please contact NC.SNACmail@gmail.com.