Topics Related to Child and Family Well-Being

Replacement Benefits Available for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Press Release — People in 23 Western North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene who are enrolled in Food and Nutrition Services now have access to replacement benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The United States Department of Agriculture approved North Carolina to allow current FNS participants in the 23 counties to receive 70% of their total monthly September benefit back on their EBT card. The benefit replacement is automatic and does not require action from the FNS participant. This impacts more than 200,000 people in North Carolina and more than $24

Important Information for People Enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Impacted by Hurricane Helene

STATEMENT — There is widespread damage and devastation following Hurricane Helene, and many participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are impacted. There are more than 250,000 people participating in the WIC program statewide. WIC provides access to healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals for health care and community services.

North Carolinians Enrolled in Food and Nutrition Services Can Use Benefits to Buy Hot Food Following Hurricane Helene

PRESS RELEASE — Starting today, people and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program can use their benefits to purchase hot food. This temporary flexibility applies to all 100 counties in North Carolina and the nearly 700,000 households enrolled in the FNS program. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure people impacted by Hurricane Helene receive assistance as soon as possible.

Congress Extends FNS Theft Replacement Deadline

PRESS RELEASE — On Sept. 26, 2024, Congress extended the deadline allowing victims of recent Food and Nutrition Service benefits theft to apply for replacement benefits. The deadline for requesting replacement of stolen benefits is now Dec. 20, 2024. The federal provision allowing for replacement of stolen benefits was previously set to expire Sept. 30, 2024.

More Than $554,000 in FNS Benefits Stolen

PRESS RELEASE — More than $554,000 in food benefit dollars have been stolen from North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services participants since Aug. 18. No further fraudulent activity has been reported since Sept. 6, 2024, when NCDHHS implemented a block on online transactions originating from Connecticut, Florida, and New York that appeared to be tied to fraudulent activity.

NC Tops Region with Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Wins

As National Breastfeeding Month draws to a close, local Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies across North Carolina were recognized with national awards that celebrate their dedication to supporting breastfeeding. The WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program recognizes local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities

NCDHHS Outlines the Importance of Supporting Families Through Child Support Awareness Month

August is Child Support Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring the vital role of the Child Support Services Program. In North Carolina, this observance underscores the program's commitment to ensuring child and family well-being, one of NCDHHS’ top priorities.

Themes, Resources and Events to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month and Aug. 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. NCDHHS is celebrating with a list of themes, resources and events.

NCDHHS Awarded $2.5 Million to Expand School-Based Health Services

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to expand school-based health care in North Carolina. The grant will support NCDHHS’ ongoing work to ensure school-aged children and their families have equitable access to health care and behavioral health services readily available in the same places where they learn and grow.

NCDHHS Announces $11 Million Investment in Family-Based Behavioral Health Services for Children with Complex Needs

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced an $11 million investment in treatment services designed to keep children who have complex behavioral health needs in homes and communities, and out of inappropriate boarding. The department is partnering with Rapid Resources for Families to expand access to family-based therapeutic programs, enabling children to receive trauma-informed treatment in a home-based setting.