FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

What are Food Stamps?
 

Food Stamp benefits help low income individuals purchase food.  Authorized Food Stamp benefits are placed into an account.  The benefits are accessed at grocery stores using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

How do I apply for Food Stamps?

To make an application, come into the New Hanover County Department of Social Services located at 1650 Greenfield Street.  A Food Stamp Worker will conduct an interview with you to start the process.  To help speed the process along, please bring the following verifications:

• Identification
• Social Security Cards or numbers for all (including children)
• Proof of Residence - (Lease, rent or mortgage receipts, Utility Bill)
• Proof of Income - (Pay stubs, SSI, Social Security, Work First, Pensions or Other)
• Bank Accounts - (Recent bank statements and or passbooks, etc.)
• Utility Bills - (Gas, Electric, Phone, Water, and Sewer, etc.)
• Tax Bill/Insurance - If Homeowner
• If Elderly/Disabled - (Unpaid medical bills, Prescriptions, Health and Hospital Insurance)
• Name and phone number of at least 1 person who can verify who lives with you.
• Proof of Child Care Costs - (If employed or in school full time).
• If you are unable to come into the office, you can appoint someone you trust to represent you in the office or an application can be taken over the phone or by a home visit.

What can I buy with Food Stamps?

You can only use food stamp benefits for food and for plants and seeds to grow food for your family to eat.  Food Stamp benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco or cigarettes
• Household supplies, soaps, and paper products
• Disposable diapers
• Medicines or vitamins
• Any other non-food items
• Hot foods that are ready to eat, such as barbecued chicken
• Pet foods

When will my Food Stamp benefits go into my account?

Your benefits will be available after 6:00 a.m. on the same day each month according to the last digit of the head of household's Social Security Number, even if that day is on a weekend or a holiday.  For instance:

To assign yourself a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and Activate:

Call the E-FUNDS toll free customer service number, 1-888-622-7328.  They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

What is the EBT Customer Service Number?

The toll free number is 1-888-622-7328 and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.