SNAP Recipients Warned of Benefit Lapse Due to Federal Government Shutdown

Friday, October 24, 2025 at 9:46 AM

By Morgan Hoover Beckman @morganhoover_

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee is warning Tennesseans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to expect a temporary lapse beginning November 1, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

SNAP is federally funded, and Tennessee cannot issue benefits without federal authorization. More than 690,000 Tennesseans rely on the program, which provides about $146 million in monthly food assistance.

Governor Lee said his administration is working with faith-based and nonprofit organizations to help families impacted by the delay. The Tennessee Department of Human Services advises recipients to continue submitting paperwork and to check the TDHS website for updates as the shutdown continues.