Gov. Lee Seeks Federal Waivers to Enhance SNAP Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced plans to seek federal waivers to update the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Tennessee’s proposed waivers will ensure SNAP fulfills its intended purpose of promoting healthier eating habits, supporting improved health outcomes and reducing chronic conditions for low-income families.

“Tennessee is leading the nation in creating innovative solutions to enhance quality of life, and I’m proud to continue our legacy of responsible fiscal stewardship while also delivering nutritious food choices for hard-working families,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for its leadership to Make America Healthy Again, and thank our grocery retailers, convenience stores, food producers, and beverage manufacturers for working to ensure that healthier choices reach every community across our state.”

Tennessee’s proposed waivers include the following enhancements:

·       Prepared Foods: Enabling SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken, including rotisserie and non-fried, non-breaded items like grilled chicken tenders – offering convenient, healthy meal solutions.

·       Processed Food: Excluding items listing sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative as the primary (first) ingredient.

·       Carbonated Sweetened Beverages: Excluding beverages where carbonated water and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative are the first two ingredients.

Under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Tennessee joins a growing number of states in implementing SNAP reform.