In Wake County, North Carolina, a growing number of residents are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential food benefits. The situation is exacerbated by a backlog in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit distributions, leaving thousands waiting for the support they need.
Food Assistance
Recent data highlights a surge in demand for food assistance in Wake County. In August alone, over 113,000 residents turned to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina—the highest number of people served in a single month over the past two years. Jennifer Caslin, Director of Communications for the Food Bank, describes food as a “basic right that everybody should have access to.” Yet, the struggle to access food is becoming a harsh reality for many.
Backlog
Several factors have contributed to the current backlog in SNAP benefit distributions in Wake County. The end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency brought significant changes to how benefits are managed and distributed. For three years, the federal government extended additional food benefits to households, allowing recipients to bypass the recertification paperwork. But that changed in March, when emergency allotments ended and the government began requiring recipients to submit recertification paperwork again.
By June, most households had to start completing these forms every six months, rather than annually as was allowed during the public health emergency. This shift has led to a surge in recertification applications, overwhelming the Wake County Social Services office.
Strain on Resources
The sudden spike in recertification applications created an administrative bottleneck. At one point, more than 2,600 applications were pending. In response, the county hired additional staff and brought in temporary workers from nearby counties with fewer issues.
While these measures have helped reduce the backlog, the workload remains heavy. The county is now processing around 1,200 applications each week but continues to receive over 250 new applications and certifications at the same time.
Despite these efforts, some applications can take between 60 to 80 days to process, far longer than the average of one month. This delay leaves many residents without access to vital food assistance, forcing them to make difficult choices between necessities like food, medicine, rent, utilities, and transportation.
Challenges
The backlog isn’t just a result of increased paperwork requirements. Inflation and ongoing pandemic recovery issues are also driving more people to seek food assistance. As Caslin notes, “People are receiving fewer benefits now than they were over the last few years,” creating a compounded issue for those already struggling to make ends meet.
Many individuals and families who were receiving extra benefits during the public health emergency are now finding themselves with less support, even as costs for everyday necessities continue to rise. This reduction in benefits, combined with administrative delays, means that many residents are facing a precarious situation where basic needs are increasingly out of reach.
Bridging the Gap
To address the immediate needs of residents, Wake County officials are collaborating with agencies like the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. These organizations are stepping in to provide food to those waiting for their SNAP benefits to be processed.
The Food Bank and similar organizations play a crucial role in filling the gap, ensuring that families do not go hungry while they wait for their benefits to be approved. “We want to make sure food insecurity isn’t a problem for people here and anywhere in eastern North Carolina,” said Caslin. The goal is to prevent situations where people must choose between essential needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Moving Forward
Wake County’s efforts to manage the backlog and the ongoing partnership with local food banks are vital steps in addressing food insecurity. However, the growing demand for assistance underscores the need for long-term solutions to ensure that all residents have reliable access to food and other basic necessities. The county must continue to adapt its strategies to meet the needs of its community, balancing immediate relief with sustainable policies that support those who need it most.
FAQs
Why is there a backlog in SNAP benefits in Wake County?
A surge in recertification applications following policy changes has created delays.
How long does it take to process a SNAP application in Wake County?
Applications take about 30 days on average, but some take 60-80 days.
How many people did the Food Bank serve in Wake County recently?
Over 113,000 residents were served in August, the highest in two years.
What are residents doing while waiting for SNAP benefits?
Agencies like the Food Bank are providing food to bridge the gap until benefits arrive.
What caused the reduction in SNAP benefits?
The end of COVID-19 emergency allotments led to a decrease in benefits for many.
