FNS to be distributed early in February

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 24, 2019

Forsyth County Department of Social Services (FCDSS) is working to ensure the community is aware of the various changes due to the federal shutdown. The department has received official correspondence from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) that Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) funds will be issued early for the month of February. Please note the following:
For Forsyth County residents with active FNS services:
  • FNS funds for the month of February were issued on Jan. 20. These funds will be loaded to your designated electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. The funds released on Jan. 20 are not bonus or additional for the month of January but is the allocation for February. No more FNS funds will be issued until federal funding is authorized or the federal shutdown is resolved. Please budget wisely for food purchases.
  • Residents with a food stamp recertification action required in January will be extended through February. Your assigned case worker will contact you via mail or telephone if any action is required.
For Forsyth County residents with new FNS applications submitted in January
  • FCDSS will continue to accept and process new FNS applications based on the USDA guidelines. However, FNS funds will be issued based on the guidelines below:
  • FNS applications submitted and processed in January and classified as “expedited” will have funds issued via the EBT card. FCDSS will process “expedited” applications first, followed by non-expedited applications. Note: “Expedited” households are determined by families with a $150 or less in income or families that total household expenses exceed the household income. The department is waiting for guidance on when these funds will be issued.
  • The department is also waiting on further guidance from the USDA on the issuance of FNS funds for new applications submitted between Jan. 21 and Jan. 30 that are classified as “non-expedited.” Please call 336-703-3800 if you have any questions concerning your application status. Refer to the list of food banks and pantries if you are experiencing a crisis at www.co.forsyth.nc.us/dss/.