As schools close for the summer, many families in Tennessee worry about how to provide their children with nutritious meals. In response, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has proposed a $3 million investment to support families during the summer months when school lunches are no longer available. This initiative aims to ensure that children, especially those in low-income households, continue to have access to healthy food.
The proposal, which is awaiting approval from the state legislature, plans to give eligible children in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) households a one-time payment of $120. The funds would be distributed through existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This program is focused on children in areas where there are limited summer food services.
Filling the Gap
As schoolchildren eagerly wait for the summer break, parents in underserved areas are often concerned about how they will provide enough food for their kids. TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated, “With this innovative step, we will go even further to provide food security to Tennessee children.”
This proposal aims to bridge the gap in food security that arises when schools stop providing free meals during summer vacation. It’s part of a larger effort to address the challenge of food instability in certain regions of Tennessee, where some families struggle to access enough nutritious food outside of the school year.
Details on the Program
The Tennessee Department of Human Services’ plan is an extension of the state’s Summer Food Service Program. The $3 million investment will be included in Governor Lee’s budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The program will target families who are enrolled in SNAP or TANF, with at least one child attending school, and who live in counties with limited summer food services.
Eligibility for the one-time $120 payment will depend on household participation in the SNAP or TANF programs. The goal is to help families in need of extra food support during the summer months, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
The Need for Support
The proposal highlights the growing concern over food insecurity in Tennessee. As many families depend on school meal programs, the loss of these meals during the summer can create additional stress for parents. By providing a one-time financial assistance, the TDHS hopes to ease some of this burden and ensure that children continue to receive the nutrition they need.
The department has not yet announced the exact details of the distribution process, but updates and further information about the eligible counties and how to apply will be made available on the TDHS website in the coming months.
Looking Ahead
With summer just around the corner, this proposal offers a hopeful solution for many families in Tennessee. While the $120 payment may not cover all the costs of feeding children during the summer, it represents a proactive step towards addressing the ongoing issue of food insecurity. As the state works through the logistics of the program, families can look forward to a bit of relief during the summer break.
To learn more about this initiative, including eligibility requirements and a list of qualifying counties, interested parties can visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.
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