Supporting Families Through the SNAP Benefit Disruption

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With the temporary suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to the federal government shutdown, many families across East Tennessee are facing renewed food insecurity.

Over the coming weeks, families in our region will experience disruptions in food access. In many East Tennessee counties, food insecurity already runs as high as 16 to 24 percent, well above the state average of approximately 11.7 percent. When federal benefits like SNAP are delayed or reduced, the impact is most severe in areas like ours, where the need is already high.

Nationally, SNAP provides roughly nine meals for every one meal served by food pantries. This reality underscores a hard truth: community-based efforts, while vital, cannot fully fill the gap when federal support falters.

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN) is actively coordinating efforts with the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, local food banks, parishes across the Diocese, and other community partners to ensure that families in need can access food and support during this difficult time.

rities here or visit Feeding America - Tennessee to find local pantries that could use extra hands.

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