The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified all states that there will be insufficient funds to cover November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues. Because the program is federally funded, Tennessee and other states are unable to use state dollars to provide or load benefits onto SNAP cards. Nearly 700,000 Tennesseans will be impacted.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, is encouraging citizens to volunteer, donate to food banks and share information about statewide resources available to families impacted by the ongoing Democrat-led government shutdown.
The shutdown has halted funding for key federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified all states that there will be insufficient funds to cover November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues. Because the program is federally funded, Tennessee and other states are unable to use state dollars to provide or load benefits onto SNAP cards. Nearly 700,000 Tennesseans will be impacted.
To help fill the gap, Gov. Bill Lee today announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform connecting Tennesseans to food resources, volunteer opportunities and community partners across all 95 counties.
“Everyone deserves access to food with dignity, and no one should ever have to go hungry,” Russell said. “Moments like these remind me why I’m proud to be a Tennessean, because when our neighbors are in need, we step up. If you are able, consider volunteering, donating or helping spread the word. Together, we can make sure every family in our state has the food they need to thrive. Thank you to Gov. Lee and the hundreds of community partners who are stepping up to make this possible.”
Through the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI), more than 300 nonprofit and community leaders are coordinating statewide to identify needs and mobilize local response efforts.
At FeedTN.org, Tennesseans can:
- Locate local food distribution sites and volunteer opportunities
- Donate food or make financial contributions to vetted community partners
- Access communication materials for churches and organizations to share locally
Additional support continues through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food to regional food banks and TennCare’s CHOICES meal delivery program for older adults and adults with disabilities.
Tennesseans seeking assistance or wishing to volunteer can visit FeedTN.org for more information.
Other resources include:
- Community Compass
- Tennessee Department of Human Resources Community Resources
- DHS Federal Shutdown updates and FAQs
Lowell Russell represents House District 21 which includes part of Loudon and Monroe Counties.
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