PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The NC Office of the State Auditor has released a performance report for October, which details how counties in North Carolina delivered SNAP benefit payments.
The report details that North Carolina paid out $15.7 billion in SNAP benefits between 2021 and 2024; however, approximately $83 million worth of benefits were delayed during that same time frame.
SNAP refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as 'food stamps.'
According to the audit, Pender County was the ninth-worst county in North Carolina for delivering SNAP benefits to residents within the federal timelines, achieving 86.8% compliance.
The audit also states Bladen County was among the top-5 counties in distributing SNAP benefits on time, at 99.4%.
Additional numbers for surrounding counties are as follows:
Davidson County was ranked last at 75.1%, and Allegheny County was ranked first with 99.6%, according to the report.