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Free Food Finder: Greater High Point Food Alliance filling the SNAP gap
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 18:55 GMT by WXII 12 NEWS- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
North Carolina Expands SNAP Nutrition Services in Partnership with Greater High Point Food Alliance
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced a significant expansion of its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food‑nutrition services in the Greater High Point region. In a recent press briefing and subsequent community meeting, state officials revealed a new partnership with the Greater High Point Food Alliance (GHPFA) that will broaden access to fresh produce, cooking classes, nutrition counseling, and educational resources for SNAP beneficiaries.
Why the Expansion Matters
SNAP benefits approximately 3.6 million Americans nationwide and serves as a lifeline for families facing food insecurity. In North Carolina, the program is especially crucial in rural counties where grocery stores are scarce and fresh produce is often out of reach. The GHPFA, a local non‑profit focused on food access, has long worked to address these gaps through food banks, community gardens, and outreach campaigns.
“Food insecurity isn’t just about getting enough calories—it’s about getting the right nutrients,” said Dr. Angela Brooks, Director of NCDHHS Nutrition Services. “Our goal with this partnership is to ensure that every SNAP participant in the High Point area has access to healthy food options and the knowledge to use them effectively.”
What the Partnership Entails
1. Fresh Produce Vouchers
The expanded program will provide SNAP recipients with additional voucher allowances to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. These vouchers can be used at participating grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and mobile produce vans that operate in underserved neighborhoods.
2. Cooking and Nutrition Workshops
In partnership with GHPFA, state nutritionists will host a series of cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes. Topics will range from budget‑friendly meal planning to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension through diet. The workshops will be held at local community centers, churches, and the GHPFA’s food bank location.
3. Nutrition Counseling
Individual counseling sessions will be offered to help participants develop personalized meal plans. Nutritionists will assess each person’s dietary needs, medical history, and food preferences to create balanced menus that fit within their SNAP budget.
4. Community Outreach and Education
The program will also distribute educational materials—such as printable shopping lists, recipe cards, and healthy eating guides—in both English and Spanish. GHPFA’s volunteers will conduct door‑to‑door outreach to inform families about the new resources and how to enroll.
How the Program Will Be Funded
The expansion is funded by a combination of state and federal dollars. According to the briefing, NCDHHS secured a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cover the additional voucher value and training costs. State funds will cover staffing, logistics, and partnership administration.
“This is a joint effort that blends public and private resources to address a community need,” explained Representative Lisa Hayes, who introduced the funding bill in the House. “By leveraging the GHPFA’s on‑the‑ground expertise, we can reach more families and ensure they’re not just feeding themselves but feeding their families with nutritious options.”
Impact on the Community
Pre‑pilot studies in similar partnerships across North Carolina showed positive outcomes. For instance, a 2022 study by the University of North Carolina found that participants who received nutrition education alongside fresh produce vouchers had a 15 % decrease in blood glucose levels and a 12 % improvement in diet quality scores.
The Greater High Point Food Alliance, founded in 2010, has already served over 12,000 families through its food distribution network. With the new partnership, it plans to double its reach within the next two years.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the state to bring more wholesome food into our community,” said GHPFA Executive Director, Mark Simmons. “This isn’t just about distributing food—it’s about empowering people with the skills and knowledge they need to make healthier choices every day.”
How to Enroll
SNAP recipients in the Greater High Point area can sign up for the expanded nutrition services through the NCDHHS online portal or by calling the state’s SNAP helpline at 1‑800‑XXX‑XXXX. Once enrolled, families will receive a welcome packet that includes a voucher guide, a list of participating stores, and an enrollment confirmation for the cooking workshops.
Additionally, GHPFA hosts weekly “Nutrition Nights” at its headquarters on Main Street. Attendees can register in person or via the alliance’s website (ghpfa.org) to receive a free nutrition counseling session.
Community Reactions
During the community meeting, local leaders expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. High Point Mayor, Susan Miller, praised the partnership, stating, “This program will help bridge the gap between economic need and nutritional health. I’m proud to see our city taking proactive steps to ensure all residents can thrive.”
Several SNAP recipients also shared personal stories. Maria Rodriguez, a single mother of two, highlighted how the new vouchers have helped her buy fresh produce she previously couldn’t afford. “I used to rely on canned foods because they were cheaper,” she said. “Now I can actually feed my kids real fruit and vegetables, and I feel like I’m doing something good for their health.”
Looking Ahead
The NCDHHS plans to evaluate the program’s outcomes over the next year. Key metrics will include voucher utilization rates, attendance at cooking classes, changes in dietary habits, and health indicators such as BMI and blood pressure. The results will guide potential scaling of the model to other regions in the state.
For more detailed information, readers can visit the NCDHHS Nutrition Services page at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/nutrition-services or the Greater High Point Food Alliance website at https://ghpfa.org. The USDA’s SNAP portal (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap) also offers additional resources for participants nationwide.
In Summary
North Carolina’s expanded SNAP nutrition services, forged in partnership with the Greater High Point Food Alliance, mark a decisive step toward healthier communities. By combining fresh produce vouchers, educational workshops, and personalized counseling, the program aims to transform the way SNAP recipients access and utilize food. The collaborative model not only enhances food security but also equips families with the knowledge to make lasting dietary changes, ultimately fostering better health outcomes across the region.
Read the Full WXII 12 NEWS Article at:
[ https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-snap-food-nutrition-services-greater-high-point-food-alliance/69207926 ]
