ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — Thousands of Randolph County families could see their food assistance paused at the end of the month as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed states to suspend all November SNAP benefits until Congress restores funding.
“You can still use any benefits already on your EBT card and continue to shop at any store that accepts SNAP/EBT….This pause only affects new November benefits and does not take away any benefits already on your card.”
NC DHHS Statement (Website)
On Sept. 30 — the day before the shutdown began — the USDA told states they could use emergency funds to keep SNAP running into November. Three weeks later, on Oct. 24, the agency reversed course and ordered states to stop all payments. While SNAP remains frozen, the USDA has continued funding other nutrition programs such as WIC.
In response, N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a federal lawsuit accusing the USDA and the Office of Management and Budget of unlawfully withholding more than $230 million in food assistance for 1.4 million North Carolinians, including nearly 600,000 children. The suit seeks a court order to immediately restore benefits.
According to NCDHHS, 22,350 Randolph County residents received SNAP benefits as of April 2025 — including working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. The average recipient receives about $175 per month in grocery assistance.
N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said the agency is prepared to issue benefits “as soon as federal funding is provided.”
Local food pantries and church-based programs are bracing for an expected surge in demand. That strain comes after earlier federal cuts to nutrition programs that have already pressured local food networks.
At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, which serves Randolph County, requests for assistance have doubled since 2022. “Even if the shutdown ends tomorrow, its effects will ripple for weeks,” said CEO Eric Aft. “Food banks are a powerful community asset, but we are not a replacement for functional public policy.”
Where to Get Help in Randolph County
Residents facing food insecurity can turn to these verified resources across Randolph County. Contact organizations directly to confirm hours and eligibility. (You can also check out this flyer posted by Randolph Counnty Government on Facebook.)
Asheboro
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Christians United Outreach Center (CUOC)
Short-term crisis assistance including groceries, household items, and emergency aid.
Location – 930 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro
Hours – Mon–Tue 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Thu 12–6 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Contact – 336-625-1500 ext. 102 | mycuoc.org
The Salvation Army of Asheboro
Food pantry, rent, and utility assistance.
Location – 345 N. Church St., Asheboro
Hours – Pantry: Tue–Fri 8:30 a.m. until food runs out (no food Mon)
Contact – 336-625-0551 | AsheboroNC@uss.salvationarmy.org | salvationarmycarolinas.org/asheboro
Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Inc.
Free hot meals served weekdays; holiday meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Location – 831 E. Pritchard St., Asheboro
Hours – Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Contact – 336-626-2563 | ODBkitchenasheboro@gmail.com
Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church
Provides groceries and staple food items.
Location – 1556 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro
Hours – Fri 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; call for pickup during office hours.
Contact – 336-672-9318
Reach Church (formerly Asheboro First Assembly)
Monthly drive-through food distribution.
Location – 909 Meadowbrook Rd., Asheboro
Hours – 3rd Wednesday, 5–6 p.m.
Contact – 336-629-3101
Brandie’s Pantry
Weekly food distribution; no appointment required.
Location – 1063 Walden Rd., Asheboro
Hours – Thursdays 4–5:30 p.m.
Contact – 336-267-4623
Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA)
Meals on Wheels, frozen meals, and congregate dining for seniors age 60+.
Location – 347 W. Salisbury St., Asheboro
Hours – Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Meals delivered around 11 a.m.)
Contact – 336-625-3389 | senioradults.org
Archdale
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Community Outreach of Archdale-Trinity (COAT)
Monthly food assistance for Archdale, Trinity, and nearby communities.
Location – 10607 N. Main St., Archdale
Hours – Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Contact – 336-431-3663 | coatcommunity@northstate.net | facebook.com/COATcommunity
Archdale Friends (Out of the Garden Project)
Monthly mobile food market for families with children ages 0–18.
Location – 114 Trindale Rd., Archdale
Hours – 1st Friday, 2 p.m.
Contact – outofthegardenproject.org
Randolph Senior Adults Association – Archdale Site
Congregate meals for adults 60+ and home-delivered meals for homebound seniors.
Location – 108 Park Dr., Archdale
Hours – Mon–Fri, meal times vary.
Contact – 336-625-3389 | senioradults.org
Ramseur
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Ramseur Food Pantry
Provides groceries and staple food items to individuals and families.
Location – 724 Liberty St., Ramseur
Hours – Mon, Wed, Fri 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tue 5–7 p.m.
Contact – 336-824-8045
Franklinville
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Gray’s Chapel Methodist Church
Weekly food pantry serving the Franklinville area; no ID required.
Location – 5056 NC Hwy 22 N., Franklinville
Hours – Every Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Contact – 336-824-2463
Liberty
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Mobile Food Market (Out of the Garden Project at Liberty Public Library)
Mobile market offering food for families with children ages 0–18.
Location – 239 S. Fayetteville St., Liberty
Hours – 3rd Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Contact – outofthegardenproject.org
Bennett
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Beulah Baptist Church
Monthly food pantry for residents in southern Randolph County.
Location – 7239 NC Hwy 22-24, Bennett
Hours – 3rd Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Contact – 336-581-3121
Climax
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Bethlehem United Methodist Church
Self-service blessing box open during church office hours.
Location – 6103 Appomattox Rd., Climax
Hours – Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Contact – 336-674-0155
Julian
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Julian United Methodist Church
Monthly food pantry for local residents.
Location – 2105 NC Hwy 62 E., Julian
Hours – 3rd Saturday, 9–10 a.m.
Contact – 336-302-7464
Other Resources
Randolph County DSS (Food and Nutrition Services)
Location – 1512 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro
Hours – Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Contact: 336-683-8134 | randolphcountync.gov/Departments/Social-Services
Find resources in your area
- Feeding America – Find a food pantry near you
- NC 2-1-1 (United Way) – Call 2-1-1 for local food and social service resources
- County Social Services Departments – Apply for or check status of food aid
- NCDHHS Food Access Maps – Explore options
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina – Food finder tool
FindHelp.org – Search by ZIP code for free or reduced-cost food, housing, and financial programs online, available 24/7
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