# North Carolina Protects SNAP Food Assistance

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson successfully challenged the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNAP eligibility changes and the imposed 24-hour implementation deadline, preventing financial penalties on the state. This legal outcome safeguards food assistance programs for over 1.4 million North Carolinians amid a worsening hunger crisis, ensuring continuity of benefits and operational stability for state agencies managing SNAP.

- Procurement professionals should note the impact of federal policy enforcement timelines on state program operations and funding risks.
- This decision highlights the importance of legal and regulatory considerations in managing federally funded assistance programs.
- Contractors supporting SNAP administration in North Carolina can expect continued program funding and operational consistency.
- Agencies and vendors should evaluate compliance timelines and implementation feasibility when responding to federal mandates to mitigate financial penalties.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- North Carolina Department of Justice

### Key Quotes
> In the middle of a worsening hunger crisis, we need to do everything we can to protect food assistance for North Carolina families.
> — Jeff Jackson, Attorney General

### Sources
- [Attorney General Jeff Jackson Wins Second Case Protecting SNAP Food Assistance - NCDOJ](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-wins-second-case-protecting-snap-food-assistance/) - Ncdoj