NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, Rhonda Chafin, is calling on Gov. Bill Lee to reconsider his decision to not renew in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children program and re-enroll the Volunteer State back into it.
The program was created to help families purchase healthy food during the summer months when students aren’t in school. In 2024, the program served nearly 700,000 children in Tennessee.
Child poverty rates are higher in Northeast Tennessee, plus, families are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Chafin addressed lawmakers to raise awareness about food insecurity.
“How can we say no to any program that’s going to bring federal dollars to help families in need with children?” she implored.
“Like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), benefits were distributed through EBT cards that can be used to purchase groceries. Eligible families received $40 per eligible child, per month, in a one-time payment of $120 beginning in June 2024. The Summer EBT application closed on August 15, 2024.”
Food insecurity leads children to prolonged struggles with their health, academics and economic stability. The nonprofit Feeding America estimates that food insecurity affects 14% of Tennessee’s population, nearly 1 million people.
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