It is possible that some families who bought food over the weekend were too far ahead in their purchases. Hundreds of families saw how their EBT card accounts received “extra” money, and went out to buy food for their families. Let’s remember that food stamps, now called SNAP benefits, are sent to those families who need it most, and many of them are at food risk, so a little extra dollars are never to spare.
Over the weekend, what seemed like an extra balance in the accounts actually corresponded to the May SNAP benefits deposit. The families in Tennessee who received this unexpected deposit got an amount equal to or slightly less than what they usually receive on a regular basis. Many people spent some of this money, which is understandable, since they wanted to make sure that they had enough food at home.
“Extra” Snap Benefits in Tennessee: Families Used the Money
A local TV station, Nashville’s News Channel 5, received over 400 comments on a post they made on Facebook about this situation. This post generated several emails. In one of them, a mother mentioned that she considered these funds as additional benefits and used them to cover expenses related to her seven children.
Another woman expressed concern about the possibility that there will be an increase in the number of children going hungry when classes end in May. In addition, some people thought that these funds were intended to help during the summer. Chasity Baker, a resident of Jackson, Tennessee, mentioned that she has already used $125 on food for herself and her son, arguing that food prices are increasing.
“As of today, it will be approximately six weeks before my June benefits kick in,” Chasity Baker wrote. “That is a long time to wait to eat, especially for a child. The glitch was not our fault. Even if the state could not give us another full amount, I think at least something should be honored.”
Resources for Those Affected by the Incident in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Human Services released the following statement:
On April 20, 2024, May benefits were made available to some SNAP and TANF customers earlier than their scheduled distribution date. Today, we will be notifying affected customers via text message and email so they can plan accordingly. Customers who are unsure if they received their May benefits early can check their EBT card balance by calling 888-997-9444 or by reviewing their case on the One DHS Customer Portal at https://onedhs.tn.gov/ [onedhs.tn.gov].
This episode probably left your family with a financial imbalance for a few weeks. That’s why some of these organizations can help you get food to your table in the short term, until the next food stamp payment arrives at your EBT card:
- Operation Stand Down:Veterans experiencing food insecurity can get help with their short-term food needs
- Catholic Charities of Middle Tennessee: Offers hunger relief programs including food boxes and to-go meals in many Middle Tennessee neighborhoods.
- Fifty Forward Fresh: Provides home delivery of high-quality, fresh food to adults 50 and older.
- The Store: A year-round free grocery store in 12th South.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee: Provides multiple days of staple food items based on the number of members in each household.