Home / Business and Economy / Tennessee Braces for Massive SNAP Benefit Cuts as Federal Shutdown Looms
Tennessee Braces for Massive SNAP Benefit Cuts as Federal Shutdown Looms
30 Oct
Summary
- 690,000 Tennesseans to lose SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1
- Tennessee won't declare emergency or use reserve funds to support SNAP
- Food distribution sites expanding to meet surge in need across the state
On October 30, 2025, Tennessee is bracing for a major crisis as over 690,000 residents are expected to lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In response, food distribution sites across the state are working to expand their operations and meet the surge in demand for emergency food assistance.
However, the office of Governor Bill Lee has stated that Tennessee will not declare a state of emergency or consider using the state's $2 billion in reserve funds to temporarily support SNAP benefits for residents. This contrasts with the actions of at least four other governors, including Republicans Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Jeff Landry of Louisiana, who have declared emergencies to use state funds to maintain SNAP assistance.
To address the impending crisis, Tennessee has launched FeedTN.org, a centralized platform that connects residents with various food resources and distribution programs operated by organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way, Catholic Charities, and regional food banks. The state's Department of Human Services is also collaborating with multiple agencies to identify additional support for those facing food insecurity.
