Food and Nutritional Services
Food and Nutritional Services (FNS) is a program designed to supplement the food budget of those that are income eligible. Promoting the general health and well being of our nations population by raising the levels of nutrition among eligible families and individuals.
Qualified families and individuals can buy food items with their FNS benefits.
You cannot buy:Tobacco, pet food, paper products, cleaning products, alcoholic beverages or personal hygiene products with FNS benefits.
Income Eligibility Limits for Food and Nutritional Services
| Household Size |
Gross Income (before taxes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1174.00 |
| 2 | $1579.00 |
| 3 | $1984.00 |
| 4 | $2389.00 |
| 5 | $2794.00 |
| 6 | $3200.00 |
| 7 | $3605.00 |
| 8 | $4010.00 |
How do I Apply for Food Assistance?
The state government now provides a website that will determine if someone may qualify for Food and Nutrition Benefits. To access this tool, please click here.
Applicants have the right to complete a mail in application, or come into the office to see an intake worker. Mail in applications can be picked up at The Department of Social Services, or printed off the internet (please click on link).Once the application is filled out, applicants can drop the application off in the lobby, leave in the drop box, or mail the application to:
McDowell County Department of Social Services
Attn: Denise Prewitt
PO Box 338
Marion, NC 28752
Applicants also have the option of faxing the completed application to (828)659-0702. Please send to the attention of Denise Prewitt.
Once the mail in application is received, a worker will contact you for a phone interview and inform you of the materials that are needed to process your application.
If you have not heard anything, or received anything in the mail within 3 weeks of applying, you may contact us at:
McDowell County Department of Social Services
145 East Court Street
Marion NC 28752
828-659-0602
One thing to keep in mind is that the Food Assistance Program prorates the first month's benefits from the day the local office gets your application, so it's to your advantage to get the application to the office quickly.
What to bring with you
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Card
- Earned and Unearned Income Verification
What foods are eligible for purchase with food benefits?
Households CAN use food benefits to buy:
Foods for the household to eat, such as:
- breads and cereals
- fruits and vegetables
- meats, fish and poultry
- and dairy products
- Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
Households CANNOT use food benefits to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- Any nonfood items, such as:
- pet foods
- soaps, paper products, and household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Food that will be eaten in the store
Do I have to use all my Food benefits up in the month that I receive them?
Any benefits that you have remaining in your Food Assistance EBT account at the end of the month WILL be carried over into the next month.
However, if you have not used your EBT card at all for one year, the State will begin the process of permanently removing your food stamp benefits from your EBT account.
Agency Hours
8:00 until 5:00pm
