Food Assistance Programs
Food assistance programs are here to support you and your family.
Everyone deserves access to healthy food options. Learn about several programs available to North Carolina residents below and explore each program's page for more information. The best way to find out if you are eligible is to apply.
If you have questions, visit specific program pages for contact information.
If you need immediate food assistance, find a food pantry using our map.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and accepted at most grocery stores and many farmers' markets. Eligibility is based on household size and income.
The Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) supports pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 with nutrition benefits, healthy food vouchers, and other resources. Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk, determined at a local WIC clinic.
SUN Bucks gives eligible school-age children a summer grocery benefit to help replace school meals when school is out. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income adults 60 and older with coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating farmers' markets. Benefits are distributed in summer. Eligibility is based on age and income.
Triangle Double Bucks doubles your spending power at participating Triangle-area farmers' markets. It is available to shoppers who receive nutrition and other benefits. For every dollar you spend, you receive an equal amount in Double Bucks tokens to use on fresh produce at the same market.
Coming soon!
Double your food dollars! A variety of programs exist at farmers’ markets and grocers across North Carolina that will match food (and other) assistance you already receive, or provide you additional perks for shopping with your benefits card. Take advantage of these offers to stretch your dollars even further!
Coming soon!
Last reviewed and updated March 2026