Starting June 13, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is set to provide a round of financial support to help bolster summer nutrition for families in need. A $120 one-time payment will be directly deposited onto the EBT cards of eligible families across 15 counties. In a recent announcement, TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter emphasized the initiative’s goal, “The Summer Nutrition Initiative marks another step in the department’s work to strengthen food security for Tennessee children.”
An integral part of the Lee administration’s efforts, the Summer Nutrition Initiative is aimed at supporting children enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Families First Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, as confirmed on the TDHS website. Having limited access to meal sites during the summer, identified through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) data, these families reside in counties deemed as high-need areas.
To qualify for the benefit, children must be between the ages of 5-18 as of May 1, and be part of an active SNAP and/or Families First case as of May 31. Families residing in the designated counties, which include Benton, Carroll, and Carter, as well as twelve others, will automatically receive the benefit; thus, there is no need for an application process. The funds credited can be used anywhere EBT cards are accepted for food purchases…