NCDHHS outlines changes for food and nutrition programs

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents of changes to two programs that give people access to nutritious food.

The updates stem from the end of the federal public health emergency in May and impact Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC.

According to a news release, families with WIC benefits will no longer be able to utilize specific product substitutions after Aug. 1. This includes certain milk and yogurt, and the size of some whole wheat and whole grain bread. The substitutions had been allowed previously due to supply chain issues.

FNS recipients will now need to recertify their benefit every six months. And FNS overpayments will have to be repaid through a payment plan with an individual's local department of social services.

According to the news release, more than 260,000 residents are enrolled in WIC. Around 1.6 million North Carolinians receive FNS benefits.