Important changes to the amount that you receive are coming in March.

In North Carolina and nationally, emergency allotments for COVID-19 in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program will end in March 2023. This means that in March 2023, households will see a reduction in their FNS benefits because of a federal change that ends emergency allotments for all states.

Households receiving FNS will continue to receive their regular monthly benefit amounts in March 2023. This means that the amount of the benefit received will be based on the household’s current eligibility, income, household size and other federal eligibility requirements.

We invite our community to learn more about additional food and nutrition resources at ncdhhs.gov/foodresources. Buncombe County residents can apply for FNS benefits online with epass.nc.gov or by filling out a paper application.

FNS applications can submitted by mail, phone, email, or in person.

By Mail: PO Box 7408, Asheville, NC 28802
In Person: 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-5500

Other Available Financial Relief

Housing Rental Assistance Program
Financial assistance is available to support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities.

Child Care Financial Assistance
Subsidized child care is a program that assists parents with the cost of child care.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
WIC is for qualifying pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum families with infants and children up to age five. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health services.

Free Tax Assistance at Local Libraries
Free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older.

Heating Assistance
Funding is available to support qualifying households with paying energy bills.

EPASS
ePASS is a quick and easy way for people apply for benefits and services available to them. You can apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Energy Assistance, Work First, Medical Assistance, and more all in one place. Visit epass.nc.gov to find out more.

Learn more at buncombecounty.org/publicassistance.