Trump says no SNAP benefits until shutdown ends, Charlotte food banks brace for surge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday that SNAP benefits will not be distributed until the government shutdown ends.

This means food pantries across Charlotte are bracing for impact as the government shutdown drags on with no clear end in sight. Nearly 140,000 residents in Mecklenburg County depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to put food on the table.

At Nourish Up on Tuesday, volunteers pack, tape and prepare emergency kits during this time of uncertainty.

“We have done almost a 180 with operations just ramping up,” said Danielle Moore, Chief Operating Officer at Nourish Up.

Moore said the organization has added more pantry slots, extended hours and brought in additional volunteers to fill the gap for as long as possible.

“When you don’t know, sometimes you are hoping for the best, but planning for the worst,” she said.

With no end in sight for SNAP benefits to return, pantries are stepping up efforts to meet the growing need.

Camino, which operates Nourish Up’s largest pantry, typically serves about 400 people a week with prepackaged boxes. Spokesperson Paola Garcia said they are ready to handle 50 to 100 more.

“We can be that place of hope and healing for the Latino community where they come here and understand the rules are changing,” Garcia said.

She emphasized the importance of communicating in Spanish.

“I cannot speak as to what’s going to happen or what rules are going to change, but what I would love for our community to know is that Camino is here to help, and that we are willing to help in any way that we can,” Garcia said.

For now, everyone is in full execution mode until the shutdown ends.