North Carolina State Nutrition Action Coalition

North Carolina’s State Nutrition Action Coalition (SNAC) is a state-level collaborative with active representation from state agencies and nonprofits that implement the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs. Together, the SNAC partnering organizations reach people throughout their life span, providing food benefits, nutrition education, healthy community changes, and obesity prevention services to reduce food insecurity and improve the quality of life of North Carolinians. The information below has been compiled by NC SNAC to assist with finding resources for food.

Jump to The NC Food and Nutrition Resource Programs Guide.

North Carolina Food and Nutrition Resource Programs

The NC Food and Nutrition Resource Programs Guide

The guide provides a snapshot of fourteen different USDA FNS programs available in North Carolina. These programs provide a vital source of support and act as a stimulus for local economies. This resource guide is designed to be used by anyone that directly works with people who may benefit from knowing more about these USDA programs and how to access them. NC Food and Nutrition Resource Programs guide is available in a downloadable print version below and through the USDA programs listed. To receive additional printed copies of this resource, please contact NC.SNACmail@gmail.com

NC Food and Nutrition Resource Guide:  EnglishSpanish

NC Food and Nutrition Resources: Go to the category for the person needing food or nutrition services.

Tab/Accordion Item

Food Delivery or Pick Up

  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)– Provides USDA foods to income-eligible households living on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reservation and to Native American households residing in designated counties (Jackson, Swain, Cherokee and Graham) near the reservation.

Meals or Snacks on site

Benefits to Purchase Food

Nutrition Education

Food Delivery or Pick Up

  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)Provides USDA foods to income-eligible households living on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reservation and to Native American households residing in designated counties (Jackson, Swain, Cherokee and Graham) near the reservation.

Benefits to Purchase Food

Nutrition Education

North Carolina FNS

Senior citizens balancing a limited income may be eligible to participate in several North Carolina food benefit programs. These programs include North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

If you receive FNS benefits, this program can help you qualify to receive financial assistance through the following programs:

Food Delivery or Pick Up Programs

  • Senior Nutrition Program - Provides nutritious, home-delivered meals and socialization to older adults.
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) - Provides USDA foods to income-eligible households living on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reservation and to Native American households residing in designated counties (Jackson, Swain, Cherokee and Graham) near the reservation.

Meals On-Site

Additional Food Benefits

  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) - Provides eligible senior participants with benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. The program runs seasonally from July through September and is not available statewide.

Nutrition Education

Agency/Provider Senior Resources

  • Senior Resources – Communications Toolkit - NCDHHS has prepared a senior resources toolkit with the goal of increasing easy access to information for seniors and organizations across the state about food assistance and other resources available to help with common expenses.
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - Program for approved non-residential care facilities (e.g., adult day program) that provides support to facilities serving nutritious meals and snacks to attending adults.
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Program that supports approved local agencies in the distribution of  a monthly package of food designed to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income senior citizens ages 60+. 
  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - Program for approved local agencies that aids in supplementing the food needs of low-income households through the distribution of food packages.

Benefits to Purchase Food, and Nutrition Education