The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Orange County Department of Social Services provides a variety of additional programs and services some of which are listed below. For more information on these or other programs, contact the office during business hours.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a supplemental food assistance program offered through Orange County Social Services. Monthly food distribution events are scheduled every fourth Wednesday. Eligible recipients must receive FNS benefits (also known as food stamps) or meet income requirements.

Appointments are required to receive food during TEFAP distribution events. To reserve an appointment, recipients must call 919-245-4354 on the day prior to a TEFAP food distribution event. Recipients can choose to pick up their reserved food from either the Hillsborough (113-B Mayo Street) or Chapel Hill (2501 Homestead Road) location.

For more information about the TEFAP program, call 919-245-4354.

Voter Registration Services

Clients of the Department of Social Services can register to vote or change their voting information at the agency.

Refugee Resettlement Program

Refugee public assistance involves two programs - refugee cash assistance and refugee medical assistance. Refugees are eligible for eight months after arrival in the country. These individuals enter the United States legally as a refugee pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. Eligibility criteria parallel the states Medicaid and welfare programs. Application for this assistance is made at the local department of social services.

These services are provided to:

  • Achieve self-sufficiency as quickly as possible
  • Acquire English language skills
  • Assist refugees to become employed
  • Expedite the resettlement process
  • Quickly reduce dependence on public assistance

Refugees are eligible for these services for the first five years they are in the United States.

Youth Enhancement Fund

The Youth Enhancement Funds (YEF) provide financial assistance to children interested in participating in physically active sports, recreational activities, and visual/performing arts, including lessons, leagues, teams and camps.  This resource is available all year, contingent upon funding.  This program does not assist with after school care or general day camps.  See English or Spanish flyer here.

Eligible Applicants must be an Orange County resident; under the age of 18; and meets one of the following:  receiving program assistance or public benefits from Orange County Social Services (e.g. Food & Nutrition, Medicaid, Health Choice); or a member of a low income household (200% of poverty or below).  To apply, please complete the English or Spanish referral form and send it to Christine Yewawa at cyewawa@orangecountync.gov or fax 919-644-3005.

Holiday Program / Summer Camp Program

These are programs that enable children involved with the agency to enjoy the holidays and Summer Camp.

Learn More and Apply

Please visit or call any Orange County DSS location to learn more about the programs listed above.