NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Despite two federal judges directing the Trump administration to use emergency funds to keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits going, those relying on SNAP could reportedly see their benefits delayed for weeks or even months.
As the government shutdown extends, Gov. Bill Lee has announced that millions in state funding will be allocated for food banks working to serve Tennesseans in their time of need.
November SNAP will be partially funded, but benefits could take weeks or months. Why?
“As the government shutdown continues, I’m grateful to non-profit partners serving Tennesseans in their time of need,” wrote Lee in a statement posted to social media. “To strengthen these efforts, I’m announcing $5 million in new state funding for food banks. Grants will be allocated based on SNAP populations in each region.”
The announcement comes just days after State Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) urged Lee to find a way to protect Tennessee families from losing access to essential food assistance, stating that it was time for Tennessee to “show the rest of country what it looks like when leaders put people before politics and compassion before bureaucracy.”…