SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — Millions of low-income Americans are losing access to benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as the government shutdown continues.
“For families that had benefits in October, if they had any left, they are still able to use those benefits, but nobody is getting new benefits in November until that process is restarted,” said MANNA FoodBank CEO Claire Neal.
President Donald Trump’s administration said it will partially fund SNAP after a pair of judges’ rulings required it to keep the food aid program running, ABC reports.
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It’s unclear, however, how long it will take to implement those payments.
Neal said their biggest concern right now is that there’s no replacement for the United States government. Neal said that since the start of the government shutdown, they’ve increased their food purchasing by 200% and they still see food flying off the shelves.
“For every meal that MANNA provides, SNAP provides 9,” said Neal.
NOV. 3, 2025 – Millions of low-income Americans are losing access to benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as the government shutdown continues. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
According to a SmartAsset study, as of May 2025, 1,378,291 people in North Carolina, 12.48% of the population, use SNAP.
Neal said people needing food can use MANNA FoodBank’s Food Finder to find a food pantry near them.
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If you’re interested in helping out, MANNA FoodBank chief development officer Joe Beckler said you can also use the Food Finder to find a pantry to volunteer at.
Asheville Christian Academy is also giving out free grab-and-go meals in Swannanoa at 74 Riverwood Drive from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5.
Jason Putnam with Asheville Christian Academy said they’re going to offer free meals every Wednesday for the next month.
Learn more: LIST: HERE’S WHERE TO FIND FREE FOOD IN WNC AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PAUSES SNAP
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