If you live in a disaster area impacted by Hurricane Helene and it's been declared a presidential disaster zone, you may be eligible for $750 in initial relief to cover urgent needs. Learn more
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If you live in a disaster area impacted by Hurricane Helene and it's been declared a presidential disaster zone, you may be eligible for $750 in initial relief to cover urgent needs. Learn more
Food and Clothing Resources
Food and clothing are basic necessities that form the foundation of daily life, yet many working-class Tennesseans struggle to consistently afford them due to economic challenges. Access to nutritious food is essential for the well-being of individuals and families, but rising grocery costs and stagnant wages have left many unable to make ends meet. Organizations such as Feeding Tennessee and local food banks, and churches partner with grocery stores and farmers to distribute essential food items to those in need. Additionally, federal programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) offer food assistance to low-income families, ensuring access to essential nutrition.
The working-class people of Tennessee face real and ongoing challenges when it comes to securing food and clothing. As living costs rise, these struggles will likely persist, making support from the community, non-profit organizations, and government programs essential. By connecting with available resources and spreading awareness, we can support Tennessee’s working-class families and alleviate some of the burdens they face.
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The Growing Hunger Crisis in the U.S.
47 Million
47 million people face hunger in the U.S.—including nearly 14 million children. Hunger knows no boundaries—it touches every U.S. community, including yours.
20,500
of people died from malnutrition in the United States, the number of malnutrition-related deaths increased by more than twofold, from around 9,300 in 2018 to about 20,500 in 2022
100%
100% of counties in the United States have people facing food insecurity. This means that every county in every state has a population of people who are suffering from hunger.
If you need EMERGENCY food assistance Now. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273).
Resources for Food and Clothing Assistance in Tennessee
The working-class people of Tennessee face real and ongoing challenges when it comes to securing food and clothing. As living costs rise, these struggles will likely persist, making support from the community, non-profit organizations, and government programs essential. By connecting with available resources and spreading awareness, we can support Tennessee’s working-class families and alleviate some of the burdens they face.
Food Assistance Programs
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Nourish Up
Two long-standing non-profits with a rich history of fighting hunger, Loaves & Fishes and Friendship Trays, joined forces with a new name, Nourish Up. Lifting up our community through food, we provide groceries to our neighbors in need
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Clothing Assistance Programs
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Here are some locations providing food, clothing
Explore the interactive map to find nearby churches, community centers, and government aid stations distributing essential supplies and accepting donations for those in need. If you know of a location offering food and clothing that isn’t listed, please reach out to us with the details, and we’ll promptly add it to our map.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly referred to as “food stamps,” the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional assistance initiative administered at the state level. In Tennessee, SNAP is managed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).
SNAP can be viewed as a bridge to help Tennesseans reach their full potential as self-sufficient contributing members of our community and economy. At TDHS, we administer SNAP with the belief that you can focus on work, school, and family wellness when you’re well-nourished and don’t have to worry about where your next meal will come from. Excelling at your job, training or higher education can increase career prospects, earning potential, and levels of self-sufficiency. These opportunities can help your family transition from today’s challenges into a brighter future tomorrow.
Who Can Receive SNAP
SNAP is available to households (individuals who live and prepare food together) that meet certain qualifications referred to as eligibility criteria. SNAP eligibility takes residency, age and relationship, citizenship, social security number assignment, employment, resource, income, and related deductions factors into consideration. These factors not only determine a household’s eligibility to receive SNAP but also determine if additional documents will be required for a household to maintain SNAP after SNAP approval. Failure to submit required documents such as change forms or Simplified Reporting Forms can result in the cancellation of SNAP benefits.
How To Apply For SNAP
You can apply for SNAP by completing and submitting a SNAP application online OR you may submit a printed application by uploading or mailing a printed application to TDHS. To receive a printed application, you may contact your local office to have an application mailed to you or Click Here download a SNAP application in the language of your choosing.
TDHS also works with local organizations, agencies, and advocates across Tennessee to share information about SNAP and provide application support. The State's Outreach partners can provide pre-screening and application assistance for individuals and families. To find a SNAP Outreach partner near you, click here.
After you submit your SNAP application, other documentation and actions may be required to process your application and maintain your benefits. Click Here to learn more about the SNAP application process and related form and documentation requirements.
Preparing to Apply for SNAP
To receive SNAP benefits, applicants are required to submit copies of personal records (verification documents) that demonstrate a need for SNAP. These eligibility verification documents should include copies of record/document that show proof of the following:
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Social Security Number (Example: Social Security Card)
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Your Identification (Example: driver’s license, school ID with photo, passport, resident alien card, I-94 card, voter’s registration card)
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Where you live (Example: lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license with your address on it)
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Income (Example: check stubs, employer statement, award letters)
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Resources (Example: bank statements, title, registration, or deed)
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Shelter costs (Example: mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement)
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Cost of utilities (Example: electric bill, water bill, gas bill)
It’s best to have copies of these documents ready for submission when you apply for SNAP. Submitting verification documents within 10 days of applying for SNAP can help the application process go smoothly and may prevent delays. You may also be asked to provide more information during an eligibility interview. Click Here to learn more about SNAP eligibility.
Uploading documents using the One DHS Customer Portal or resources at a TDHS office can reduce the application processing times. Customers who choose to mail information to TDHS as part of the application, verification or reporting process should send copies of personal records and avoid sending original documents as documents may not be returned.
Click here for a brief instructional video on how to create an account and apply for services via the One DHS Customer Portal or Download an instruction sheet.
After You Receive SNAP Approval
Once you’re approved for SNAP, you may be required to submit additional forms or copies of documents to maintain SNAP according to your SNAP classification. Failure to submit your documentation on time could prevent you from receiving SNAP, result in a termination of SNAP benefits or force you to restart the application process.
To help you maintain your benefits after approval, we encourage you to Click Here to visit the Applying for Services page and view step-by-step instructions for receiving and maintaining SNAP in Tennessee. You can also use the links below to download a checklist to use as an “at home” guide to track the progress of your SNAP case and manage associated deadlines and document requirements.
Where to Use SNAP
SNAP can be used to buy food items at most grocery stores and some online retailers.
Click Here to locate a retailer that accepts SNAP in your area or learn about using SNAP to purchase food online when you Click Here.
For information on what can be purchased with SNAP, Click Here to visit the USDA Eligible Food Items page.
Tennessee Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Tennessee's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a vital support initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to age five. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Health, WIC provides nutritious foods, health screenings, breastfeeding support, and educational resources to families in need. By ensuring access to essential nutrition, WIC helps prevent health issues related to food insecurity and malnutrition, contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and children. Participants receive monthly food benefits for items like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and formula, aimed at addressing specific nutritional needs at critical growth stages. Beyond food assistance, WIC offers valuable resources on health, wellness, and early childhood development, creating a foundation for a healthier future for Tennessee’s youngest residents and their families.
Who Can Receive WIC
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Tennessee provides a lifeline to families who need nutritional support to ensure the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and young children. Eligibility for WIC includes pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who meet specific income requirements. To qualify, a family’s income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, applicants must reside in Tennessee, and all WIC recipients must be at "nutritional risk," determined through a health assessment provided during the application process. This risk could include factors like inadequate nutrition, low birth weight, or a history of poor pregnancy outcomes.
How To Apply For SNAP
Applying for WIC in Tennessee is a simple process. Families can start online or by contacting a local WIC clinic through the Tennessee Department of Health website . Here’s how to get started:
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Find a Local WIC Clinic: The Tennessee Department of Health provides a WIC Locator to help families find nearby clinics. Most county health departments offer WIC services, making it easy to locate assistance .
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Schedule an Appointment: After finding your nearest clinic, families can call to schedule an appointment or, in many cases, walk in for service.
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Complete the Application Process: At the appointment, a WIC representative will assist with the application and provide a health screening to assess if there’s a nutritional risk, confirming the need for WIC benefits .
For more details, visit the Tennessee WIC Program’s website.
Information You Need to Gather to Apply for WIC
When applying for WIC, it’s beneficial to gather necessary documents in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Proof of Identification: Bring a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card for all applicants .
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Proof of Residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents showing Tennessee residency are required .
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Proof of Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, or enrollment documentation for programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF can demonstrate eligibility .
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Health Records for Nutritional Assessment: Medical records like immunization or growth charts help WIC staff assess nutritional needs for all applicants .
Where Can You Use WIC in Tennessee?
Approved WIC participants in Tennessee receive an EBT card for WIC-approved foods, which can be used at participating grocery stores, supermarkets, and select pharmacies. Major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion accept WIC, along with many smaller local grocery stores and markets . The Tennessee WIC website provides a list of approved stores to ensure that families can find accessible locations for purchasing nutritious food staples like milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and baby formula .
Supporting Tennessee Families for a Healthier Future
The WIC program is a vital resource for Tennessee families, providing not only nutritional assistance but also education, breastfeeding support, and personalized guidance to help mothers and children thrive . If you or someone you know may qualify, WIC is an invaluable tool for securing a healthier future for young families. To learn more or begin the application, visit the Tennessee WIC Program’s website.
School meals and food programs for children
Your child may qualify for free or reduced-price meals at their school or childcare center. They can get food assistance throughout the school year and during summer break.
During the school year, your child can get free or reduced-price meals at school through:
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The Special Milk Program, which provides milk for students in schools that do not participate in a federal school meal program
Find out if your child is eligible for school meal programs
Your children may qualify for free meals or milk during the school year if:
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You meet household income guidelines
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You receive SNAP (food stamps), TANF (welfare), WIC, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
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They are foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court
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They are enrolled in Head Start
Check with your child's school for specific eligibility requirements for your state.
How to apply for school meal programs
Ask your child's school for a meal program application. You can do this at the beginning of the school year or at any time if circumstances change.
Summer meal programs and benefits
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The Summer Food Service Program (SUN Meals) offers one or more free meals during summer break. All children and teens 18 or younger qualify. There is no application process and no income limit. Search for a summer meals site near you.
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The SUN Bucks program gives eligible families in most states $120 per child during the summer to buy groceries. If you receive other benefits, such as SNAP or TANF, you may be automatically enrolled. Learn how to get SUN Bucks.
Food assistance programs for older adults
If you are 60 or older, you may be eligible for food assistance, depending on your income. Learn about food assistance programs for seniors and how to apply.
Most states offer these programs for older adults who have a low income:
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Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) - Provides coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. You can use the coupons at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community farms.
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Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Provides a monthly package of healthy food. USDA distributes food to local agencies where you can pick it up. In some states, you may be eligible to have your food delivered.
Find out if you are eligible for food assistance for older adults
You may be eligible for SFMNP and CSFP if you are:
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60 or older
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Have an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines
Use these search filters to find and contact your state SFMNP and CSFP programs.
Find out how to apply for food assistance for seniors
To apply for a food assistance program near you:
Use these search filters to find and contact your state SFMNP and CSFP programs. If neither program is on your state's list, you may not live in an area that offers it. Instead, you may be eligible to find help with food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Food assistance for Native Americans
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides monthly packages of healthy food. You may be eligible based on income, tribal membership, and where you live.
Find out if you are eligible for food assistance through FDPIR and apply
FDPIR works with state agencies and tribal organizations, which determine eligibility and provide food. You may be eligible if you:
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Meet income requirements
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Live on a reservation
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Live near a reservation or in Oklahoma, and someone in your household is a member of a federally recognized tribe
Your tribal organization or regional Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) office can help you find out if you are eligible.
You can apply for food assistance by contacting your tribal organization or your regional Food and Nutrition Service (FNS office).