FNS Is Important for Your Family

By MoreFood

Why is it important to eat a balanced and nutritious diet?  It is important to an adult’s ability to be productive at work and at home.[1]  And, studies have shown that when children are not hungry they do better in school.[2] North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS and formerly food stamps) Program can help your family have sufficient and nutritious food to eat.

In June 2014 more than 1.6 million people in North Carolina received monthly food assistance through FNS.[3] While many people benefit from FNS, there are still others that are eligible and not receiving assistance yet.[4]  Everyone needs sufficient and nutritious food to eat and there are many benefits to participating in the FNS program.

So what are some of the benefits of participating in FNS? Keep reading to learn more and to find out how you can apply.

Benefits of participating in the FNS program include:

  • No sales tax. Foods purchased with FNS benefits (loaded on an EBT card) are not charged sales tax – currently 2% in NC. (Learn more about the EBT care here)
  • Expands income. FNS expands income for those living on a fixed income. Many working adults have not received a raise for one or more years, resulting in loss of purchasing power.
  • Better health. Having extra food dollars each month allows a person to purchase more foods and healthier foods.
  • Extra spending money. Having extra food dollars from FNS frees up other monies that were budgeted to pay for food for other things such as gas, utilities, medical expenses, clothing, or pet food.
  • Supports local economy. Spending $5 FNS in benefits generates $9 in economic activity in communities.
  • Qualify for other benefits.  Households that receive FNS may qualify for other programs. You may qualify for phone service through the Lifeline program.  Children who live in your home will qualify for free meals at school.

Interested in finding out if you’re eligible for FNS?

Call More In My Basket at 1-855-240-1451 to complete a quick eligibility screening. If you’re eligible we will help you complete the FNS application.

You can also click here to apply online through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

 

[1] Stuff, J. E., Casey, P.H., Szeto, K. L., Gossett, J. M., Robbins, J. M., Simpson, P. M., Connell, C., and Bogle, M. L. Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Adult Health Status. Journal of Nutrition. Accessed from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15333724

[2] Feeding America (2009). Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on Our Nation. Accessed from: http://feedingamerica.org/SiteFiles/child-economy-study.pdf

[3] NC Department of Health and Human Services (2014). June 2014 FNS Statewide Demographics Report. Accessed from: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/stats/docs/FNSCA/FNSCA_06-14.pdf

[4] Mathmatica Policy Research (2012). Reaching Those In Need: State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates 2010. Accessed from: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Reaching2010.pdf