The budget bill that was signed on July 4 included the most devastating cuts to health and nutrition programs in our nation’s history. Some cuts will take effect in the coming months. Follow TJC and revisit this page to keep informed about those threats.
Right now, at the center of the federal government shutdown, is a political crisis that subjects Tennesseans to new and even more devastating threats to their ability to feed their families and access health care.
In separate rulings on Friday, October 31, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island both ordered the USDA to fund SNAP benefits using contingency money. As of November 3rd, the Trump Administration has agreed to pay partial SNAP benefits.
It’s unclear when November SNAP benefits will be sent to families. It also remains unclear what happens after November.
Please follow the Tennessee Justice Center on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest information concerning SNAP and TennCare.
Tell Congress to fund SNAP! Visit PROTECT MEDICAID AND SNAP! | Tennessee Justice Center to sign a letter to your Congressional lawmakers.
Check these websites for food sources in your area
Find a Food Pantry – Second Harvest Food Bank – East Tennessee
Second Harvest Food Bank | Serving Middle Tennessee – Middle and West Tennessee
The best thing we can all do right now is convene. Meet with your local non-profit agencies and coalitions to determine what gaps exist in your communities and what volunteer help is needed where and when. TJC has seen the good folks at food pantries and food banks very eager to commune with their neighbors to determine need and resources. Convening and communicating is a great way to turn these lemons into lemonade. The government shutdown will hopefully come to an end soon, but the relationships we’ll form with other solution-seekers will last forever.
Those who can should donate money instead of food to Second Harvest because they are able to stretch our dollars far, due to their relationships with food vendors.
Don’t forget the reason for the shutdown!
Congress is at odds about funding tax credits that allow millions of working Americans to afford health care coverage. When you call Congress to tell them to fund SNAP, tell them to extend enhanced premium tax credits so that 256,000 Tennesseans don’t lose their health care! The ACA Marketplace’s open enrollment starts on November 1. It’s a one-two punch to these folks that on the same day they see a $0 balance on their SNAP cards, they might also learn that their health care premiums have doubled! In fact, almost all Tennesseans will see a hike in their insurance premiums if more than 256,000 people can no longer afford to buy coverage.
Tell Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits!
More cuts are coming to health care after the mid-term election next year
The country is exactly one year away from mid-term elections, so Congress needs to hear from you! Many devastating cuts to Medicaid/TennCare are scheduled to take effect after the mid-term elections, leaving thousands of vulnerable Americans (many with disabilities) without access to health care. These cuts also deeply affect nursing home residents and nursing home staff. The cuts also pose an existential threat to rural hospitals. Please contact the Health Advocacy Team at Tennessee Justice Center to learn more. swatkins@tnjustice.org