North Carolina Clears Federal Hurdle on SNAP Data, Avoids Risk of Funding Loss

North Carolina officials say the state is not among those facing federal threats to cut administrative funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after complying with federal data-sharing requirements this fall.

The warning, issued this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cautioned that several states could lose federal dollars used to administer SNAP if they did not provide requested information on program recipients. SNAP, overseen nationally by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, provides monthly food assistance to low-income households.

Federal officials said a new request for data went out Tuesday, accompanied by notice that states failing to comply would receive formal warnings and risk loss of administrative funds.

In western North Carolina, SNAP participation ranges from roughly 12% to nearly 20% of residents, according to federal data.

State submitted plan, met federal deadline

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed Wednesday that the state already submitted the information required by USDA.

According to the department, the state first ensured privacy and security protocols were in place before moving forward with the release of data. After discussions with federal officials, North Carolina submitted a Corrective Action Plan that USDA approved on Sept. 16, 2025.

NCDHHS said the state then delivered all requested data by Sept. 29, 2025.

Before that approval, the state received an August notice warning that failure to comply could result in the federal government disallowing up to $75.6 million per quarter in administrative funding for SNAP until sufficient progress was demonstrated.

What’s at stake

Administrative funding supports county departments of social services with staffing, processing applications, maintaining technology systems, and assisting families who rely on food assistance. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service can withhold these dollars when a state fails to meet federal standards or reporting obligations.

With North Carolina now in compliance, state officials say no funding disruption is expected.

WCAB News will continue monitoring USDA directives and any potential effects on local social services operations.