Tennessee Leaders Call on Volunteers as Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance

New FeedTN.org Platform Connects Families to Food, Volunteers, and Support

Tennessee officials are urging residents to step up for one another as the ongoing Democrat-led federal government shutdown threatens critical food assistance programs across the state. With nearly 700,000 Tennesseans at risk of losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, House Republicans and Gov. Bill Lee are calling for volunteers, donations, and community-level action to help fill the gap.

This past Thursday, Gov. Lee launched FeedTN.org, a statewide hub designed to connect families in need with food distribution sites, volunteer opportunities, and community partners across Tennessee’s 95 counties. The effort comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified states that it will not have sufficient funds to cover SNAP benefits for November if the shutdown continues, leaving states unable to fund the program with state dollars.

Tennessee House Republicans are rallying residents to step in where federal dollars have stalled, emphasizing the Volunteer State’s long-standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

“I’m grateful to Governor Lee for his leadership, our faith community, and the many volunteers stepping up to support Tennessee families,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton. “FeedTN.org is proof that Tennessee-led, community-driven solutions are always better than what Washington can offer. I encourage everyone to visit the site and join this effort to protect and care for our families.”

A Statewide Call to Serve

The platform is a partnership built through the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI), which has mobilized more than 300 nonprofit and community leaders statewide to assess needs and organize localized response efforts. These groups are working together to make sure struggling families can continue accessing food support during the shutdown.

“Our most vulnerable Tennesseans shouldn’t have to pay the price for the Democrat Party’s dysfunction,” said House Majority Leader William Lamberth. “Tennesseans can count on their communities, faith-based partners, and the many volunteers across our state who are stepping up to help their neighbors. FeedTN.org will be a vital tool to connect people with help quickly.”

Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, echoed that sentiment, pointing to the state’s long-held reputation for service.

“Tennessee has always been known as the Volunteer State because when times get tough, we take care of each other,” Faison said. “While we wait for Democrats to put Americans first, I encourage anyone who can to volunteer, donate, or help spread the word so families across our state can access the support they need. That’s what being a Tennessean is all about.”

How FeedTN Works

FeedTN serves as a single-entry platform for Tennesseans looking to help — or seeking help themselves. At FeedTN.org, residents can:

• Locate local food distribution and volunteer opportunities
• Donate food or make financial contributions to vetted organizations
• Access communication materials for churches and community groups to share

The initiative partners with well-established statewide relief networks, including Second Harvest, United Way, Catholic Charities, Chattanooga Food Bank, Mid-South Food Bank, and hundreds of local faith-based organizations.

In addition to the FeedTN network, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program continues to support regional food banks, while TennCare’s CHOICES meal delivery program remains in place for older adults and adults with disabilities.

“Volunteer State” Spirit in Action

As of November 1, more than 690,000 Tennesseans face food insecurity due to the federal funding disruption. State leaders say they are committed to ensuring families do not go without support.

With faith communities, nonprofits, and volunteers already organizing across the state, officials believe Tennessee’s spirit of service will help bridge the gap for families most in need.

“Tennesseans don’t wait on Washington to solve problems — we roll up our sleeves and take care of each other,” Gov. Lee said in the release announcing the program.

Residents seeking food assistance or wishing to volunteer can visit FeedTN.org to learn more and get involved.