As the government shutdown persists, thousands of Tennesseans may experience significant consequences due to the potential loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which assist families in purchasing groceries each month.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has indicated that, absent a resolution by lawmakers, SNAP benefits could be discontinued as early as November 1.
According to a USDA report, almost 700,000 individuals in Tennessee—representing 9.8% of the state’s population—depend on monthly SNAP support, and any delays may lead to substantial hardship. Previous shutdowns have resulted in parents facing challenging decisions, including foregoing meals to ensure their children have food, or choosing between purchasing food and paying essential bills.
