North Carolina faces steep SNAP reductions and rising county costs

A year after the federal passage of H.R.1—dubbed the "One Big Ugly Bill"—North Carolina has seen a sharp decline in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation. Statewide enrollment fell to about 1.2 million, and Mecklenburg County recorded its lowest number of recipients in five years. The legislation tightened eligibility, imposed stricter work requirements and added barriers for non‑citizens, projected to cut SNAP funding by more than $186 billion over the next decade.

The federal government will also reduce its share of SNAP administrative expenses from 50 percent to 25 percent, shifting the burden to states and localities. North Carolina counties are expected to cover an additional $52 million in administrative costs this fiscal year, with potential expenses rising to $140 million by 2027. As a result, counties must fund the shortfall with sales‑tax revenues, while schools lose enrollment‑based funding tied to program participation.

Local food‑bank networks report heightened demand. In Mecklenburg County, nonprofits such as Nourish Up and The Bulb served record numbers of people, many of whom do not receive SNAP benefits, underscoring growing food insecurity despite the program’s contraction.