Tennessee Department of Human Services Announces Summer Nutrition Initiative Funds Will Reach Underserved Families Starting June 13

NASHVILLE – Today, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced it will provide a $120 one-time payment directly to families in need across 15 counties through the Summer Nutrition Initiative starting Friday, June 13, 2025.

“The Summer Nutrition Initiative marks another step in the department’s work to strengthen food security for Tennessee children,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “Our fiscally sound strategy will serve families by providing additional nutritional benefits to those who need it most during the summer months.”

The initiative, previously announced by the Lee administration and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, will serve eligible children in 15 counties who are currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Families First Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.

The program will use existing EBT cards to provide the one-time payment to families.

Fifteen counties were identified through Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) data as having limited access to SFSP meal sites and thus qualify to receive the one-time payment: Benton, Carroll, Carter, Cocke, Fayette, Grainger, Houston, Humphreys, Johnson, Lauderdale, Marshall, Moore, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Sumner.

The one-time TN Summer Nutrition Initiative benefit is available to children who are:

• Age 5-18 as of May 1, 2025
• Members of an open and active SNAP and/or Families First case as of May 31, 2025
• Residing in Benton, Carroll, Carter, Cocke, Fayette, Grainger, Houston, Humphreys, Johnson, Lauderdale, Marshall, Moore, Rhea, Sequatchie, or Sumner Counties as of May 31, 2025   

Eligible households do not need to apply for this benefit. Families in the targeted counties will automatically receive the benefit on their existing EBT cards beginning June 13, 2025. Benefits can be used anywhere EBT is accepted for purchasing food.

For more information on the Summer Nutrition Initiative, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/summer-nutrition-initiative.html.

 

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (TDHS)

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) consists of multiple divisions with a unified mission to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. Led by governor-appointed Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans to ensure that all state residents have an opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of their community. Among the many services and programs provided by TDHS, some of the leading programs include the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services and Licensing, Families First (the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services, along with many others. TDHS is an organization committed to connecting people to resources that help individuals, families and communities thrive towards long-term economic freedom and prosperity. For more information, please visit: Tennessee Department of Human Services.

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