As thousands of North Carolinians face stricter SNAP rules, local governments could soon inherit millions in new costs. Durham DSS Director Maggie Clapp and N.C. Rep. Zack Hawkins explain who is at risk, what families must do now—and why other essential county services could also pay the price.
DURHAM, NC — Thousands of Durham County residents have already disappeared from the rolls of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as sweeping federal changes tighten eligibility requirements and place new responsibilities on recipients, social-services agencies and local governments.
Durham County Department of Social Services Director Maggie Clapp said the county’s SNAP caseload has declined from approximately 33,000 recipients to slightly more than 29,000. The decline comes as counties implement expanded work requirements and new eligibility restrictions affecting some noncitizens.
During the latest episode of “PC Politics — Real. Raw. Relevant.”, Clapp joined N.C. Rep. Zack Hawkins, who represents House District 31 in Durham County, to explain what the changes mean for families—and why county governments are preparing for potentially significant new expenses.
Durham’s SNAP Caseload Is Already Shrinking
SNAP, known in North Carolina as Food and Nutrition Services, helps people with limited incomes purchase groceries. More than 1.4 million North Carolinians receive assistance through the program…