Senator Bailey Appeals to Governor Lee: Protect Tennessee Families from And Their SNAP Benefits

Today, Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) called on Governor Bill Lee to safeguard access to vital food assistance for Tennessee families. Without the federal government's release of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by November 1, roughly 690,000 Tennesseans depending on this aid may find their benefits at risk. Each month, around $146 million is allocated federally to support these vital benefits. A lack of federal intervention could leave numerous families, including children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working parents struggling to feed themselves. “This is about Tennessee families,” Bailey asserted. “Our most vulnerable should not suffer due to Washington’s inefficiencies. In my district, 20,635 individuals depend on SNAP.” He urges the state to innovate solutions and take inspiration from other states that have acted to protect their citizens. To assist with potential food shortages, Bailey is collaborating with local food banks to enhance supply. “It’s our time to step up,” he concluded. Governor Lee has introduced feedtn.org to link residents with food resources statewide.