Food & Nutrition Services

Anyone may apply for Food and Nutrition Services. To apply for benefits and receive final determination of eligibility, you must complete an application and be interviewed by a Food and Nutrition Services caseworker.

Application Form

Household Information Form

Applications for Food and Nutrition Services are taken Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm at Catawba County Social Services (address and map located at left). Eligibility criteria will be discussed during the interview process.

Applications can be submitted online through the North Carolina ePASS Portal. https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do.

You may also contact Social Services at 828-695-5600 to request an application to be mailed to you. The application can be returned in person at the address above, mailed to Catawba County Social Services at PO Box 669, Newton NC 28658, or faxed to 828-695-5700.

Although not required to complete the interview process, the items below may be needed. If you are not able to bring these items to the interview, you may provide them later if they are needed:

• Identification such as valid driver's license or ID card
• Social Security Cards for all members of household for whom you are applying
• Verification of all income for members of household included
• Verification of Rent or Mortgage Expenses
• Proof of medical expenses for household members receiving Social Security Disability or age 60 and older

Additional information may be needed and will be discussed during the interview.

The two main areas considered to determine eligibility are household size and household income/resources. Once the caseworker has determined that the household meets these eligibility factors, the shelter and utility expenses will be considered. Other deductions that may be allowed are childcare expenses, legally ordered child support payments and medical deductions.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are issued to eligible households. Once a household has been determined eligible, they will receive an EBT card through the mail. The card then needs to be activated by calling 1-888-622-7328 and selecting a four-digit pin number. The household may then use the card to purchase eligible foods at any authorized grocery store. The card should be used by the person named on the card only. If an additional card is needed for another adult household member, this should be discussed with the caseworker.

Once a purchase has been made, the amount of the purchase is automatically deducted from the account and the remaining balance is shown on the bottom of the receipt. Monthly benefits are added to the account on the same day each month. Unused benefits will remain on the account for one year.

Recipients who are physically unable to shop for themselves can name someone they trust as an authorized representative. The representative will get an EBT card that has full access to the recipient's account and will be able to use this card to shop for them. To designate an authorized representative, discuss with a caseworker.

Authorized Representative Form

Households CAN use food assistance 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 stamp 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
• Hot foods