Tennessee Launches FeedTN Platform to Support SNAP Recipients Amid Federal Shutdown

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has launched FeedTN.org, a rapid response platform to assist residents affected by the potential loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The platform connects users with local food distribution centers, opportunities to donate food or money, and volunteer options, helping to address the needs of over 690,000 Tennesseans facing food insecurity starting November 1. Due to the federal shutdown, Tennessee cannot use state funds to provide SNAP benefits as there is no mechanism to load benefits onto customer cards. The Governor’s Faith Based and Community Initiative coordinates with more than 300 nonprofit and faith leaders across all 95 counties to mobilize support, while state departments collaborate to identify additional resources for those impacted. Lee criticized the Democratic-led federal government for the shutdown and urged reopening, stressing that temporary state solutions cannot replace federal nutrition funding. Other states like New Mexico have implemented emergency measures to backfill SNAP benefits, but Tennessee relies on community partnerships and the FeedTN.org platform to mitigate the crisis.