How to apply for food stamps in North Carolina

Feeding your family is more challenging than ever. Keeping them fed with healthy meals is hard to do with the state of the economy today.

Many people have lost their jobs or have taken paycuts and have to live on much less than ever before. Grocery prices have not decresed if anything they have gone up making food more of a luxury to some families in North Carolina.

Children need to be well fed and ready for school each day. Being hungry is not only distracting but bad for their health and well being. They have trouble learning. They are worried about their next meal. Sometimes the free lunch at school might be their best meal of the day.

Do not be ashamed or afraid to apply for food stamps in North Carolina. They are meant to keep you and your family healthy and fed.

Here is how to apply for food stamps in NC.

Things You'll Need

• Research online on your computer
• Documents proving income and identity

Instructions

1. 

   First you can access the website on NC food stamps. http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/foodstamp Read through the website so that you understand everything you need to do in order to apply for food stamps.

2. 

   Income limits for food stamps in NC as of April 2009 start at

   2 people in family - gross income - $1517 - allotment $367
   3 people in family - gross income - $1907 - allotment $526

   Check the website to find the limits for your family.

3. 

   Application information - quoted directly from the website:

   "Applications for Food and Nutrition Services are taken at local county Departments of Social Services in the county in which the household resides. Some counties have Food and Nutrition Services outreach offices as well. Persons who live in households consisting only of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) applicants or recipients may apply for Food and Nutrition Services at the Social Security Administration Office. "

4. 

   Online Screening Tool ( Taken directly from the web)

   "Available online is a pre-screening tool. This screening tool was created and is maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is a good tool to use to see if you might qualify for Food and Nutrition Services.

   The online screening tool can be found at www.usda.gov.

   An application for the Food and Nutrition Services can be downloaded via online at
   http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/forms/dss/dss-8207.pdf"

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let shame or humility stand in the way of feeding your family

• Everyone goes through rough times during their lifetime

• Think of your children

Resources

• NC Food Stamp Program Link