Many Tennesseans view November and December as a time to share meals with friends or family, however according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), almost 11 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2021 with Tennessee food insecurity rates being higher than the national average. According to reports shared by the USDA and U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information, poor nutrition can have negative effects on overall health and performance. Simply put, good nutrition means you’re better mentally, and physically prepared to achieve positive outcomes at school, work, and home. Excelling in these areas can help individuals achieve higher levels of independence and financial stability.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has multiple programs and services to help fight food insecurity this winter and beyond. Below is a brief overview of nutrition programs available through TDHS.
Nutrition Program for Families and Individuals
Most people are familiar with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Administered at the state level, the program uses Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to provide nutritional assistance to qualifying households and individuals each month. Similar to a debit card, EBT cards can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores and online retailers.
Who Can Receive SNAP?
SNAP is open to citizens that meet certain residency, work, resource, and income requirements according to federal eligibility guidelines. The Department of Human services works with individuals across the state to review their case and determine eligibility based on several factors determined by federal eligibility guidelines.
How to Apply for SNAP
Tennessee residents can apply to receive SNAP using an online or printed application. Once an application is received, TDHS will contact the applicant to complete an eligibility interview and submit verification documents. SNAP recipients are approved to receive SNAP for a designated period based on their situation.
Get Details About SNAP in Tennessee
To learn more about the SNAP application process, eligibility, EBT cards, or work programs, or regional offices, visit tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html or call the TDHS Family Assistance Service Center at 866-311-4287.
- Emergency Food Programs
There are times when a natural disaster or emergency event creates a need for short-term nutrition programs or emergency relief. Pandemics, weather disasters, energy shortages, or other unexpected natural disasters may warrant a response from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). In cases such as these, information on emergency nutrition programs such as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP), or replacement SNAP may be instituted temporarily. In the case of any of these events, visit the TDHS website at tn.gov/humanservices.html for the latest information on available programs and resources.
Nutrition Program Partnership Opportunities
The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers supports through partnership with organizations to provide meals directly to individuals. These organizations share the Department’s commitment to build strong Tennessee families through localized services. The following nutrition programs offer an opportunity for organizations interested in fighting food insecurity in Tennessee.
- The Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that provides reimbursements to child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods to attendants who meet age and income requirements. CACFP provides aid that contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons. All payments are based on annual rates established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In Tennessee, the CACFP is administered by the Department of Human Services. To learn about becoming a CACFP partner, visit tn.gov/content/tn/humanservices/children/dhs-nutrition-programs/child-and-adult-care-food-program.html or call (615) 313-4749
- The Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) operates with the assistance of partner school districts, local government agencies, camps, and private nonprofit organizations, referred to as sponsors. Sponsors provide free meals to groups of children at a central site such as a school or a community center. These organizations receive payments from the United States Department of Agriculture through their TDHS for the meals served and related documented operating costs. The SFSP should be incorporated into an organized and adequately supervised youth activity (such as a recreational program) at suitable locations.
Organizations and individuals interested in becoming an SFSP sponsor, site, or volunteer, can visit tn.gov/humanservices/children/dhs-nutrition-programs/learn-about-the-summer-food-service-program.html or email TNSFSP.DHS@tn.gov for additional information.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services understands the importance of nutrition and is here to help Tennesseans succeed with the help of nutrition programs and other services dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans. To learn more about TDHS programs for individuals with disabilities, families, parents and job seekers, visit tn.gov/humanservices.html or follow @TNHumanServices on social media.