Food Assistance in Haywood County, North Carolina

Most of us have hit a rough financial patch at some point in our lives. When it hits, you may be concerned about keeping food on the table for your family. If you live in Haywood County, you have options for food assistance that can help.

Haywood Christian Ministries

Located at 150 Branner Avenue in Waynesville, Haywood Christian Ministries has been helping area residents for years. It is an interdenominational program organized and run by local churches. You will be asked to fill out a short information sheet on your household. A counselor will go over your information with you and give you a voucher to take to the food bank downstairs. The food assistance you will receive varies, but generally includes milk, canned goods, some sort of meat, flour or cornmeal, and occasionally a dessert item.

When they're open sometimes changes due to meetings or volunteer availability so it's best to call ahead. Their number is (828) 456-4838. Keep in mind that the food assistance provided is meant to get you over a rough patch rather than be ongoing help. To ensure the budget stretches to aid as many residents as possible, they do limit how many times per year you can request assistance.

WIC

If you are pregnant or have children in the home, the WIC Program can provide some food assistance. Caseworkers operate out of the Haywood County Health Department at 2177 Asheville Road in Waynesville. To apply, talk with one of the caseworkers. You will need to provide information on your income and bills to establish your eligibility. If you or your children are on Medicaid, they may accept the Medicaid card as proof of eligibility. Once your eligibility has been established, you get your WIC checks immediately. An recertification appointment will also be set up.

It's best to call and make an appointment. Otherwise, you may have to wait until one of the caseworkers are free. The phone number is (828) 452-6675. It's important to remember that while WIC is food assistance, it's meant only to supplement your food budget. Each check will have specific items you can purchase listed on them-usually milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, and peanut butter or beans. If you are nursing, you may also receive tuna fish. If your children are formula-fed, WIC can help by providing some formula.

Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps)

A third option for food assistance is Food and Nutrition Services, sometimes called food stamps. Pick up an application at the Department of Social Services (DSS), located at 486 E. Marshall Street in Waynesville, or download the application from http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/forms/dss/dss-8207.pdf If you need help filling out the form, there is assistance available. You will also need to gather income and expense information, such as pay stubs, bank statement, lease or mortgage agreement and receipts for childcare expenses. Identification documents such as a driver's license, social security card or other ID are also needed.

If you choose to drop off your application, you will usually be asked if you want to wait for a caseworker to do your interview. If you are unable to, the receptionist will schedule an appointment for you to return at a later time. If you mail or fax your application, an appointment will be set up for you to come in for your interview.

During the interview, the caseworker will go over your information and determine your eligibility for food assistance. If they determine you are eligible, you will receive your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card within 30 days. In emergency cases, such as if you are in danger of running out of food within days, the card's arrival can be expedited. There are some limitations to what you can purchase. Your caseworker will give you information on these restrictions.

Commodity Supplemental Foods

If you are eligible for food stamps, you may also be able to get food assistance through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Your caseworker at DSS can determine your eligibility and sign you up for the program. Once you are signed up for the program, you will receive a letter in the mail at regular intervals advising you of a time, date and location where you can pick up your food. They usually ask you to bring your own boxes or bags to carry the food. They do have a limited amount of boxes and bags on hand in case you forget yours.

Sources
http://www.nutritionnc.com/wic/index.htm
http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/foodstamp/index.htm