NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — New state data shows a steady decline in SNAP participation across Tennessee during the first four months of 2026, with East Tennessee counties reflecting similar trends.
According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, enrollment dropped from just under 607,000 individuals in January to about 587,000 by April — a decrease of roughly 19,000 recipients, or about 3 percent statewide. Household caseloads also fell from approximately 308,000 to below 300,000 during that same period.
Benefit spending followed a similar pattern. The state distributed more than $126 million in SNAP benefits in January, peaked at over $135 million in February, and then declined to around $120.5 million by April…