NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Despite the Trump administration announcing that food assistance would be partially funded through November, benefits for those relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could reportedly be delayed for weeks or even months.

As the government shutdown extends, Gov. Bill Lee has announced that millions in state funding will be allocated for food banks working to serve Tennesseans in their time of need.

"As the government shutdown continues, I'm grateful to non-profit partners serving Tennesseans in their time of need," wrote Lee in a statement posted to social media. "To strengthen these efforts, I'm announcing $5 million in new state funding for food banks. Grants will be allocated based on SNAP populations in each region."

The announcement comes just days after a State Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) urged Lee to find a way to protect Tennessee families from losing access to essential food assistance, stating that it was time for Tennessee to "show the rest of country what it looks like when leaders put people before politics and compassion before bureaucracy.”

More than 690,000 Tennesseans rely on SNAP for nutrition assistance, and the program supports farmers, grocers and retailers across the state's rural economies

According to Lee, the Faith Based & Community Initiative is coordinating rapid response across all 95 counties in the Volunteer State.

In Tuesday's announcement, Lee added that he's appreciative of the Trump administration's efforts to deliver some relief for vulnerable Tennesseans, but stated the "only true solution is for the federal government to reopen now, so families may receive the full resource they need."

Tennesseans can visit FeedTN.org to connect with resources and opportunities to serve.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/gov-bill-lee-allocates-5-million-into-food-banks-amid-snap-ruling/