Federal Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits for Over 1.3 Million in Tennessee, Mississippi

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may lapse starting November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown led by Congressional Democrats, who have yet to approve funding to reopen the government. More than 690,000 Tennesseans rely on SNAP, which is federally funded with approximately $146 million spent monthly in the state, and Tennessee lacks the mechanism to provide benefits using state funds. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has urged beneficiaries to continue complying with program requirements despite the potential lapse and is coordinating with nonprofits and faith groups to support affected families. SNAP recipients in Mississippi face similar disruptions due to federal shutdown directives preventing benefit issuance, with state officials encouraging early use of benefits and providing food pantry resources. While Tennessee Democrats have called for a special session to authorize emergency state funding to maintain benefits, Governor Lee blamed Democrats for the shutdown and its consequences. The USDA has confirmed no emergency federal funds are available to continue SNAP beyond October 31, and no reimbursements will be made if states cover the costs independently.