The 1.42 million North Carolinians reliant on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, will receive benefits through at least Oct. 31 during the federal government shutdown.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the availability Wednesday as it is working with local, state and federal agencies "to understand and navigate the evolving impacts on essential services."

"DHHS is awaiting guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture for impacts beyond October should the shutdown continue. DHHS will need to wait for final clarity from federal partners to know the exact impact to our programs.”

SNAP serves primarily low-income households. There has been a significant uptick in enrollment among western N.C. households dur

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