the comprehensive guide to food stamps in tennessee · this method is meant to help recipients...

1TennesseeFoodStamps.org

Food Stamps in TennesseeThe Comprehensive Guide to

2 TennesseeFoodStamps.org


Table of Contents

Food Stamps in Tennessee

Food Stamp Benefits in Tennessee

How to Calculate Your SNAP Benefit Amount in Tennessee

Tennessee Eligibility Requirements for Food Stamps

How Non-U.S. Citizens Can Get SNAP Benefits in Tennessee

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Tennessee

Food Stamp Denials and Appeals in Tennessee

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What’s New With Tennessee Food Stamps

How to Get Financial Assistance for Non-Food Items in Tennessee

Free Career Training Programs in Tennessee

Free Breakfast and Lunch Programs for School-Age Children in Tennessee

How to Stretch Tennessee SNAP Benefits by Spending Wisely

How to Renew Your Food Stamps Benefits in Tennessee

Sample Meals Plans in Tennessee on a Budget

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee has helped thousands of Tennesseans maintain nutritional health.

Food StampsIn Tennessee

The program, formerly known as food stamps, was developed to provide low-income individuals and families with the opportunity for a balanced and nutritional diet while they are unable to afford adequate nutrition on their own. Additionally, while receiving SNAP benefits, applicants are able to utilize their income for other expenses, such as housing or health care. This method is meant to help recipients toward a self-sufficient path.

When looking into the SNAP food stamps program, it is important for applicants to understand what the program is, what it entails and how the application process works – and you will learn about all of these aspects and more in our comprehensive guide. The application process consists of preparing supplemental documentation that verifies an applicant’s identity and income status. Before assembling any documentation, an applicant should determine his or her eligibility. As the SNAP program is a federally funded program, applicants need to ensure they meet all of the eligibility requirements to prevent a denial of benefits. Furthermore, even after submitting an application and gaining approval, there is still much more for beneficiaries to learn, including how they can maximize their benefits. Fortunately, our guide provides post-application assistance as well.

By reviewing the articles below, you will learn how to meal plan according to your benefits budget and how to calculate your possible benefit amount in advance. The purpose of this guide is to walk you through the application process (so that it goes smoothly and efficiently) and to make sure you get the most out of your SNAP benefits.


Understanding the eligibility requirements for SNAP is the first step to ensuring applicants are ready for the application process. Once you have determined whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements, you can estimate your chances of being approved for the program. Since the SNAP program is federally funded, there are basic requirements every applicant must meet, starting with verification of one’s identity and need for financial assistance. Along with these basic requirements, there are additional stipulations for applicants that will determine if they are qualified to receive food stamps. These extra provisions establish age limits, employment status and various other conditions that applicants must meet for acceptance into the program.

Tennessee EligibilityRequirements for Food Stamps


Food Stamps Income Qualifications in Tennessee

Stocks, bonds and trusts count toward a petitioner’s income, because they are considered assets. Assets, also known as resources under SNAP eligibility requirements, represent how much extra money a household has that can potentially assist their circumstances. For example, bank accounts are also considered assets. Any applying household with more than $2,250 in savings and checking accounts will exceed SNAP’s resource limit. The limit raises to $3,500 for households containing an individual with a disability.

There are assets that count against applicants in some government assistance programs, but do not count against petitioners for the SNAP program. For example, any homes or properties owned by an applicant do not count toward the income limit. However, retirement accounts, cash-value life insurance policies and vehicles with equity under $1,500 do count toward a potential beneficiary’s resource limit.

Although most income counts toward an applicant’s income determination, there are some forms of income that are not calculated. Any student receiving scholarships, grants or students loans does not have to claim that money on his or her SNAP benefits application. Additionally, any earnings of children younger than 17 years of age do not count toward a household’s income.

For more information on income requirements, click here.

Establishing income requirements for SNAP petitioners helps the DHS provide benefits to households that are financially struggling and generally classified as low-income. The statute created by the federal government for SNAP’s income limit varies per household depending on a number of different factors; however, there are maximum income limits in place to keep applicants who make too much money from qualifying. The maximum net income (the total monthly income after taxes are deducted) that each household must make each month to qualify for SNAP varies as follows:

Household of one: $1,005

Household of two: $1,354

Household of three: $1,702

Household of four: $2,050

Household of five: $2,399

Household of six: $2,747

Household of seven: $3,095

Household of eight: $3,444

* For each additional member of a household, the net monthly income increases by $349.

Monthly income requirements are calculated by thoroughly examining all taxable income an applicant receives. This includes income from standard or self-employment and unemployment benefits. Additionally, income received from alimony and child support are counted toward a household’s net monthly income. Other forms of income that determine income eligibility include disability benefits, Social Security benefits and worker’s benefits. If an applicant possesses any stocks, trusts or bonds, those will be counted as income as well.

Food Stamps Income Qualifications in TennesseeEvery SNAP applicant must meet the federal government’s basic citizenship requirements in order to be considered eligible for benefits. These requirements enable the DHS to protect SNAP funds from being distributed to fraudulent accounts, and they also validate an applicant’s identity. All applicants must meet the following standard requirements:

They must be residents of Tennessee.

They must be United States citizens.

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-eligibility-information.html


Additional SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Tennessee

SNAP Eligibility Disqualificationsin TennesseeThere are specific conditions that automatically disqualify certain petitioners from receiving food stamps. While not all criminals are disqualified from the program, those convicted of certain drug-related offenses are considered ineligible. Additionally, anyone who is wanted for a felony conviction cannot receive SNAP benefits.

Another circumstance that will automatically disqualify a food stamp applicant from the program is fraud. If an applicant has been found submitting fraudulent information, then he or she will receive a one-year ban from receiving government benefits for a first offense. A second offense will result in a two-year ban from the program, and a third offense will result in permanent disqualification from the program.

Additionally, some applicants are disqualified from receiving assistance because they input incorrect information or left important details out of their application. These errors can be easily resolved with an appeal. Furthermore, many applicants are disqualified from the SNAP program, because they do not meet the income or citizenship requirements. This is why it is important for applicants to have a thorough understanding of all of the eligibility requirements before applying to the SNAP program. Once petitioners have an idea about whether or not they qualify, they can determine whether or not to submit an application for benefits.

Since the SNAP program is meant to be an assistance program and not a means to an end, there are employment requirements applicants must meet to show the state that they are attempting to reach self-sustainability. In order to qualify for benefits, applicants must be employed or actively seeking employment. If a petitioner needs assistance seeking employment, he or she can register with the Employment & Training program. Furthermore, applicants are not allowed to refuse offers of employment and cannot quit a job. To encourage able-bodied adults to reach financial independence, the SNAP program only allows a limited number of benefit months over a three-year period to any able-bodied adults with no dependents who are between 18 and 49 years of age.

Employment restrictions also apply to college students who apply for SNAP benefits. Students must be working 20 hours per week, enrolled in work-study, caring for young dependents or receiving Families First benefits in order to qualify for assistance from the SNAP program. Additionally, any minors who apply for benefits must be 16 years of age or older and cannot be living with their parents or legal guardians.

If not U.S. citizens, they must be United States nationals or qualified aliens.

All members of the household must have a Social Security Number, legal immigrant documentation, or have proof they are applying for a Social Security Number in order to be qualified under citizenship status requirements for SNAP benefits.

It is worth noting that, although the state of Tennessee will grant certain qualified aliens SNAP benefits, not all legal immigrants will be eligible. Immigrants applying for food stamps must have lived in the country for at least five years or must be receiving disability assistance. On the other hand, children younger than 18 years of age who are immigrants may be eligible for SNAP, regardless of whether or not their parents are eligible.


Food Stamp Benefitsin Tennessee

In 2008, the Food and Nutrition Act passed clearly definable terms for what qualifies as food under the SNAP program so that both administrators and participants in the program know what items can be bought with benefits and what cannot.

In Tennessee, the SNAP Program was developed to provide struggling families access to sustainable, healthy meals. The goal of this cause is to ensure all state residents have a greater sense of well-being and are adequately nourished despite their financial circumstances. Consequently, there are food items that are consistently qualified for purchase with SNAP benefits while there are other grocery items that are not eligible for SNAP purchases. Once applicants understand what grocery items can be purchased with SNAP benefits, they can then decide how the program can best benefit them. Additionally, those interested in receiving food stamp benefits need to know how the electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card functions so they can understand how their benefits are delivered after they have been accepted into the program.

What foods can you buy with SNAP benefits in Tennessee?

All eligible foods under the SNAP program adhere to one of the six categories of food groups as presented by the MyPlate nutrition guide. The MyPlate guide is an updated version of the food pyramid guide from the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which depicts the balance of different food groups each person needs to consume daily to maintain a well-balanced and healthy diet. Elements of MyPlate include the basic food groups like grains, dairy, protein, fruits, vegetables and oils.

Here is the breakdown of each basic food group as it pertains to the SNAP program:

Grains—include foods like bread and cereals. Additionally, rice and oats are considered grains and are therefore eligible to be purchased with an EBT card from the SNAP program. Goods from the supermarket’s bakery, like fresh breads and cakes, also qualify under food stamps benefits.

Dairy—includes milk, cheese, and yogurt. Food stamp recipients can also buy ice cream with their EBT card.

Protein—includes red meat, like beef and lamb. Other forms of proteins that can be bought with SNAP benefits include poultry and fish. Proteins can be bought fresh, frozen or refrigerated. Additionally, live seafood you


What can you not buy with SNAP benefits in Tennessee?

Oils — include products that provides fatty oils like butter, nuts, and even some fruits and vegetables.

Household supplies are not buyable with SNAP benefits. This includes laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, kitchenware and toiletries.

would normally purchase from the grocery store may be purchased with your EBT card. For example, some markets have live lobsters the sell from a tank that you can select and take home to cook yourself.

Any prepared hot foods a grocery store may sell to be consumed in store or without additional preparation do not qualify for SNAP.

Alcoholic beverages of any kind may not be purchased with food stamps along with tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are considered supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning they are additives to nutrition and not required to maintain nourishment.

Although Congress considered implementing a clause into the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 that would prohibit non-nutritious and luxury food items, such as boxed cookies, crackers and other “junk” food from being purchased with SNAP benefits, the House decided it would not be cost effective to do so. Therefore, even food items like bags of chips and popcorn can be bought with food stamps.

Typically, SNAP benefits are designed for households to plan and provide their own meals. This not only promotes healthy eating habits, but also helps to maintain funding for the SNAP program. However, in some areas, restaurants may take SNAP benefits as a form of payment from qualified elderly, homeless or disabled individuals in exchange for cheap meals.

The holidays can be a tricky time for food benefits as people buy cakes and pumpkins and gift baskets. Some items may be food, some may not. The rule of thumb for gift baskets and decorated cakes is if the non-food items exceed 50 percent of the purchase price, then the item is not eligible for SNAP benefits. For example, a holiday gift basket may contain food items like cookies and popcorn, but also contain toys. If the food items account for more than 50 percent of the cost, then the gift basket can be bought with an EBT card. If not, then the gift basket is ineligible.

Furthermore, energy drinks with a nutrition facts label are considered eligible for SNAP benefits. However, energy drinks

Most items not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits are considered unqualified because they are non-food items. However, some items may be consumable yet are still not accessible with food stamps because they are classified as alternative substances. Items that cannot be bought with SNAP food stamps include the following:

Fruits and Vegetables — can be bought fresh from the produce section, frozen or canned. Additionally, seeds and plants can be bought as well because they result in fresh produce and herbs for consumption.


with a supplement facts label (as in they have been boosted with minerals and vitamins) are classified by the FDA as supplements and are therefore not able to be purchased with food stamp benefits.

Although live seafood can be bought with food stamps, live animals and birds are not allowed to be purchased with SNAP benefits. For example, if you wanted to buy a live pig to roast for a holiday celebration, then you would not be able to do so with your SNAP benefits.

EBT Cards in Tennessee — What They Are and How to Use Them

The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is the method in which SNAP beneficiaries’ funds are transferred to them. The card is similar to a debit or credit card, as it has funds available on it and can be swiped at a cashier’s station upon payment. Every month, more SNAP benefits are added to the card electronically from Tennessee’s Department of Human Services (DHS). Since funds are transferred electronically, the card can easily be replaced if it is lost or stolen.


How to Apply forFood Stamps in Tennessee

Learning how every step of the SNAP application process works is essential for anyone who is interested in applying for food stamps in Tennessee.

Once an applicant has decided to apply for food benefits based the eligibility requirements, the next step is learning more about the application process. Every applicant will need to provide the same information when completing an application regardless of the method they choose to submit the application. Since applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person, applicants should familiarize themselves with each process so they can be better prepared. Additionally, applicants should bear in mind that the purpose of the application is to verify an applicant’s eligibility for the program. Therefore, all applicants will need to have supplemental documentation that verifies their identity and income status. Aside from the information and documentation the SNAP application asks for, there are many other components to the process that applicants need to know.

First and foremost, applicants can still apply for SNAP benefits even if they do not speak English. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) provides copies of the food stamp application both online and in print in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Somali. Copies of an application can be printed online at the Tennessee DHS website. Furthermore, if an applicant wishes to apply for benefits online, the online portal offers forms in the four aforementioned languages as well. Before beginning your application process, make sure

you meet the residency requirements. This means you must live in Tennessee in order to apply for SNAP benefits since each state’s application process is handled differently.

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/applying-for-services.html


Information Required on the SNAP Application in Tennessee

The information required on a SNAP application helps the DHS determine who you are and if you are, in fact, in need of the financial assistance the SNAP program offers.

The application will first ask you to provide basic information like your name, address and contact information. Then, it will ask you to list every member of the household — including yourself — who will be receiving benefits. It should be noted that if an applicant wants the SNAP benefits to cover multiple individuals in a household, every potential beneficiary should be listed on the application along with their Social Security Numbers (SSN). If one or more of the household members who will be a SNAP beneficiary do not have a SSN, then you should provide an alien registration number for each individual. In regards to all of the household SNAP beneficiaries, you will be asked to list their marital status and date of birth. You will also be asked to indicate whether or not each individual is pregnant or disabled. It is important you fill this information out honestly because it can affect your benefits amount.

After obtaining your basic identification information, the Tennessee SNAP application will ask for your income information. Bear in mind, this information is essential in determining whether or not you qualify for benefits, and any false information could be interpreted as an attempt at fraud. The gross income, which means the income obtained before taxes are deducted, of all desired beneficiaries older than the age of 17 should be listed on the application along with the source of income. Source of income implies income obtained through employment, child support, alimony, etc.

As a supplement to the provided income information on your application, you may be asked to attach income verification documents. Generally speaking, copies of tax returns, pay stubs or even a letter from your employer are acceptable forms of income verification. Along with the taxable gross income of each household member, the application will ask you to list any resources you or another potential beneficiary possess. Remember that resources

consist of bank accounts, stock bonds, etc. In addition to your resources, you will fill out information regarding your rent or mortgage, medical expenses and child support you are responsible for paying, if any. Again, this information can help determine your benefits amount, so it is important to be as accurate as possible.

There are additional documents the DHS may request from you when processing your application. Therefore, you should have this information prepared just in case you are required to submit it. Sometimes, applicants have to supply a copy of a birth certificate, passport, or other form of identification. In order to confirm your Tennessee residency, you also may be asked to present a copy a lease agreement or utility bill.

After you have filled out the SNAP application to the best of your abilities, make sure you remember to sign the document or else it is considered invalid.


Different Ways to Apply for Food Stamps in Tennessee

After Applying for SNAP in Tennessee

Filling out a form online is the easiest and fastest way to file your SNAP application. When applying online, applicants will first need to create an account through the DHS’s Family Assistance Online Application portal. You will be asked to create a username and password for login and have the option to include an email address. If you wish to continue correspondence electronically, it is a good idea to supply your email address at the time you create your account. Once you have created your login information, you will login into the portal and be asked to proceed in the language of your choice. Then, you will go on to fill in essential information and can continue the application at your own pace. If you have to continue working on your application at a later time, you can save your information and log back in when it is convenient for you.

For applicants who prefer to pick up their application, you will have to locate DHS office close to you. You can easily find an office near you by clicking here. Once you have arrived at the office, you can complete the application on site or take it home to mail in later. Filling out the application on site means you will need to make sure you have all of the necessary information and supplemental documentation on hand. However, it is ok if you do forget some information, because you can simply take the form home and mail it back in at another time. If you decide to mail in your application, you can simply address the envelope to the same office where you picked up the application.

Your application should take a maximum of 30 days from time you applied to process. Meanwhile, you should expect a call from an eligibility counselor to set up an interview. The SNAP interview is required to be considered eligible for benefits, and its purpose is for the DHS to gain more insight into you and your household situation. Since the SNAP interview is a process every applicant must go through, it is important to remember not to worry too much about it as long as you have provided all of the required information accurately and honestly.

To contact the DHS in regards to your SNAP application, reference the number below:

Family Assistance Service Center 615-743-2000 (Nashville area) 1-866-311-4287 (Toll-free)

www.tn.gov/humanservices/article/office-locator-family-assistance


How Non-U.S. Citizens Can Get SNAP Benefits in Tennessee

Since government-funded programs like SNAP typically require qualified applicants to be United States citizens, it can be difficult for legal non-citizens to determine whether or not they are eligible for assistance.

Fortunately, the federal governments does make SNAP assistance available to certain non-citizens who fall under a number of different categories. However, any legal immigrant who meets the citizenship restrictions for SNAP must also meet other eligibility requirements in order to qualify for benefits. Non-citizens who apply for SNAP are placed in two distinct groups that determine when they are eligible to receive assistance: no waiting period and waiting period. Qualified non-citizens who fall into the no waiting period group are able to receive SNAP benefits upon acceptance into the program while those placed on the waiting period will be eligible to receive food stamps after a set amount of time.

must live in Tennessee in order to apply for SNAP benefits since each state’s application process is handled differently.


No Waiting Period

Waiting Period

Legal immigrants who are able to receive SNAP right away typically fall under emergency, or high-need, circumstances. For example, alien children under 18 and victims of human trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 are considered to be in high need of supplemental services. By the same token, most refugees who are protected under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) can receive food stamps immediately after entering the country. Refugees who qualify under the INA include those were granted asylum, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, and those who were withheld from deportation. Other refugees who are protected under various policies include Cuban and Haitian entrants; Amerasian, or Vietnamese children born to American fathers during the Vietnam War and members of the Hmong or Highland Laotian tribes who aided the U.S. during Vietnam.

Furthermore, benefits are given to certain American Indians who were born abroad as long as they have proper tribal affiliation documents to prove their connection to a specific tribe. The no waiting list also extends to elderly individuals born on or before August 22, 1931 and who legally resided in the United States on August 22, 1996, and any immigrant receiving government assistance for a disability. Last but not least, permanent residents with an immediate military connection also qualify for SNAP without delay.

If a lawful non-citizen does fit any of the descriptions above, then he or she will be required to wait an extended period of time before qualifying for SNAP. Lawful non-citizens are immigrants with a specified immigration status as defined under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The criteria for legal non-citizens to qualify for SNAP are as follows:

• Applicants must be Lawful Permanent Residents who can be credited with 40 quarters of work in the United States.

• Legal aliens who have been qualified for at least five years and belong to one of the following groups:

• Have been paroled for at least one year

• Have been granted conditional entry prior to April 1, 1980

• Is considered a battered spouse or child or is the parent or child of a battered person with a pending petition.


What Next?

If you fall under any of the categories listed above, then you are considered eligible for food stamps under the U.S. Department of Agriculture citizenship requirement. Therefore, if you meet the other eligibility requirements for SNAP, then you may apply for benefits here. The application process for non-citizens works the same as a SNAP application for U.S. citizens. However, you may be asked to provide sufficient documentation to prove your citizenship status. It is best to be forthcoming with all aspects of your immigration case so your SNAP application can be processed quickly and seamlessly. If there are inconsistencies or unverifiable information on your application, you run the risk of getting your application denied and your eligibility blocked for a certain period of time.

In addition to meeting citizenship restrictions, non-citizens must also comply with SNAP’s other eligibility requirements. Most importantly, qualified recipients are of low-income status and fall at least 133 percent below the federal poverty level. Gross income requirements may vary per household, depending on the number of household members. Click here for more information on Tennessee’s SNAP eligibility requirements.

After submitting an application, petitioners can expect an eligibility counselor to contact them for an interview. The interview is required for all potential beneficiaries and gives the DHS a better understanding of who you are and how you qualify for SNAP. After your interview, the eligibility counselor will determine whether or not you qualify for SNAP and he or she will decide the amount of benefits you will receive should you qualify. In total, the application process will take no more than 30 days and your benefits will begin immediately.


https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-eligibility-information.html


How to Calculate Your SNAP Benefit Amountin Tennessee

Once you have submitted your food stamp application, you should begin preparing your budget for the change in funds.

The best way to budget your expenses to include your potential SNAP assistance is to estimate what your benefit amount will be if you are accepted into the program. When you have a good measure of what your benefits will be, you are able to determine what foods you can buy for your household each month. In addition to grocery budgeting, you can also redefine what you will do with the money you are saving on food.

Generally, each household’s benefit amount varies due to multiple circumstances. However, you can still calculate what your monthly benefits allotment amount might be once you consider some of these various factors. Factors that can help you assess what your SNAP amount might be include your gross monthly income, which is the amount of income you receive before taxes, and the number of members in your household.

Additional factors that affect your allotment include the number of dependents you have, regardless of whether or not that dependent is a child, individual with a disability or elderly dependent. If you are receiving or paying for child support, then

this amount will either contribute to or take away from the amount of benefits you receive. If a person in the household is receiving Social Security Disability or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), then this amount will be factored into your total monthly benefits amount as well. Senior citizens older than 60 years of age will be asked if they are receiving Social Security Income (SSI).


Since these are the most benefits a household can receive, plan for your benefits to be a lower, especially if you have additional resources to assist you. The average assistance a household receives is usually much less than the maximum amount. Take a look at the average amount of SNAP benefits households receive to help you with your budget:

Household Size

Household Size

Average Monthly Benefit:

Average Monthly Benefit:

*As with the maximum allotment each household gets per month, you can add $144 for each household member if your household exceeds eight people.

The generic formula for calculating monthly SNAP benefits is the maximum benefits for that household’s size minus 30 percent of the household’s net income. Thirty percent is subtracted from the household’s income because all households are estimated to spend 30 percent of their income on food. The net monthly income used to determine your monthly allotment also factors in additional resources and expenses. Resources would include any additional or money the household possesses, as mentioned above, and expenses would include medical bills, child care and child support. The only exception to this formula is if a family has no net income at the time of applying, in which case they would receive the maximum benefit amount for their household. The maximum benefits amount for each household size in Tennessee are as follows:

$194

$142

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

7

8

8

$357

$253

$511

$379

$649

$465

$771

$556

$925

$657

$1,022

$697

$1,169

$870


In order to calculate what your SNAP benefits might be, take a look at the maximum amount of benefits and the average amount of benefits for each household. Think about your household’s resources and where they fall on the scale. If you have the maximum amount of resources allowed to qualify for SNAP with little extra expenses, then your allotment will most likely be lower than average. If you have little to no resources available, but have a high amount of expenses, then plan for your SNAP benefits to be a little higher than average.

For instance, take a single adult who makes $1,000 a month. She has $1,000 in her bank account, no dependents and her rent is $750, not including utilities. She is qualified to receive around $160 per month in food stamps. Her benefits are higher than the average amount but lower than the maximum allotment because 30 percent of her income, which is $300, minus her income equals $700. Since her rent is $750, she does not make enough money to cover her rent and spend 30 percent of her income on food, so she gets higher than the average allotment.

Another example would be a family of four with one household member receiving disability payments from the Social Security Administration. This household has a monthly income of $2,050 with rent and utilities totaling $1,500 per month. Their expenses include child care and medical expenses for their disabled child. With all of these expenses, the family has little room left for anything else. This family would receive close to the maximum monthly allotment.

As long as you consider your monthly income and expenses, then calculating your food stamps amount can be done. Take a look back at the maximum and average benefits distribution and factor in your individual circumstances to the 30 percent metric. Of course, you will not be able to know exactly how much you will receive in benefits until you are accepted into the program.


Food Stamp Denials and Appeals in Tennessee

After you have submitted your SNAP application, you might wonder what will happen if your application is denied.

Even if you believe you have submitted all of your information accurately and honestly, there is always a possibility your application will be denied, and you will want to understand why this has happened. There are various reasons an applicant may be denied food stamps, but normally it is due to an applicant failing to meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Additionally, qualified applicants may partake in behavior that consequently results in disqualification from receiving SNAP assistance. This means that SNAP recipients are obligated to follow the program’s requirements before and after acceptance. Although there are many reasons a petitioner can be denied food stamps, every denied applicant has the right to an appeal. The appeals process for food stamps can be easily fulfilled as long as you know a little about how the process works.


Why might you be denied SNAP benefits in Tennessee?

When an applicant is denied from receiving SNAP assistance, he or she has most likely failed to meet the eligibility requirements for the program. If an applicant does in fact meet eligibility requirements, then this can be the result of simply missing information on the application or entering information incorrectly. Other times, applicants will knowingly input false information on their applications in order to either increase their benefits amount or increase their chances of being accepted into the program. Intentionally entering false information on an application to gain government funds is called fraud and is illegal.

Tennessee has a three strikes policy for fraudulent activity on SNAP applications. In the state of Tennessee, if the DHS discovers a petitioner has knowingly lied on his or her application, then the applicant will be banned from receiving benefits for one full year from the date the denial was filed. If it happens a second time for the same applicant, then the ban will extend for two years before the applicant may reapply for food stamps. The third offense will result in permanent disqualification from the program.

The most common reason SNAP petitioners are denied SNAP benefits is because they exceed the program’s income limit. Applicants that make too much money are deemed unfit for government assistance and may be disqualified from the program. When an applicant is denied food stamps because of his or her income and all of the income information was entered correctly on the application form, then there is little chance an appeal will work. Instead, the applicant can wait until his or her household income changes to reapply.

Furthermore, the Tennessee SNAP program has strict employment requirements all applicants must abide by in order to qualify for benefits and to continue receiving benefits. An applicant will be denied food stamps if he or she is not actively seeking employment, works at least 20 hours a week, or does not have just reason to be unemployed, such as a disability. If an applicant refuses to participate in the Employment & Training Program if it is offered or quits a job while receiving food stamps, then he or she will be disqualified from SNAP benefits until the situation changes. Additionally, an applicant who has indicated he or she is actively seeking employment cannot turn down a job offer. The reasoning behind these statutes is that an individual who is attempting to get government aid should be working to become self-sustainable.

Tennessee is one of few states that has kept certain impositions on felons with drug-related convictions who are applying to the SNAP program. While not all felony drug-related charges will result in disqualification from the program, it is important applicants be aware that any drug-related charge after the year 1996 results in an automatic denial from the program. This is because there was a federal food stamps ban for any felon who was convicted of using, possessing, or intending to distribute a controlled substance after that time. Furthermore, if anyone is caught selling food stamps for drugs, then that results in automatic disqualification from the program. The DHS also


has the right to release applicant’s criminal information to authorities, so this activity also has the potential to get beneficiaries arrested. Likewise, applicants who have a felony warrant out for their arrest will not only get denied assistance, but they will most likely be turned over to the police.

Moreover, if an applicant is applying for benefits in Tennessee but already receives benefits in another state, then he or she will not be able to qualify for SNAP in Tennessee. At the same time, it is illegal to apply for food stamps using multiple addresses and this could result in being charged under federal laws or a $10,000 fine. Even if an applicant has already been approved for SNAP, the DHS has the right to revoke a beneficiary’s standing if he or she is found breaking SNAP’s rules and policies. Food stamp recipients are not allowed to sell their EBT cards or give their EBT cards to an unauthorized user.

Communication regarding your food stamps denial in Tennessee will generally be delivered through written correspondence by mail or email. You will be notified within the 30 days it takes to process your application as to whether or not you have been accepted into the program. The letter notifying you of your denial will tell you why your benefits were denied and give you a detailed description of how to file an appeal. If you feel your denial was unjustified, then the next step in the process would be to file for an appeal.

Filing for an appeal on your food stamps determination can be done online, by mail, or by phone. If you wish to apply for an appeal online, visit this link.

To file an appeal over the phone, you can call 866-311-4287 or 1-800-270-1349.

If you plan on submitting an appeal by mail, you can print a copy of the Appeal Entry Form from the DHS website. The printed form can be submitted by fax at 615-248-7013 or sent to the following address:

Citizen’s Plaza Building 400 Deaderick St., 13th Floor ATTN: Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 198996 Nashville, TN 37219-8996

How will you be notified about a food stamps denial in Tennessee?

The Food Stamps Appeal Process in Tennessee

https://appealsonline.dhs.tn.gov/Home/Login

www.tn.gov/humanservices/topic/dhs-appeals-file-an-appeal


After you have submitted your paperwork, you will receive a prehearing phone call that is meant to determine what procedures need to be followed to handle your case effectively. Then, the Clerk’s Office will schedule a hearing with you which will take place either by phone or in person. At your hearing, you will be given the chance to explain why you believe you should be considered eligible for SNAP along with the opportunity to present supplemental documentation to support this claim.


Every year, adjustments are made to promote a healthy lifestyle for SNAP beneficiaries. Additionally, the food stamp program adjusts to conform to Tennessee’s needs at the time while considering the economic opportunities available to its beneficiaries. Since SNAP is a federally-funded program, the most common ongoing change to the program are the benefit amounts allotted to all 50 states. This means there are times when the state can offer high benefits to SNAP participants on average, but there are also times when the state has to offer less benefits overall. Typically, the change is not overtly drastic, but it is good to be aware of in case you wonder why your benefits changed.

the exception of 16 counties categorized as economically distressed. By February 1, 2018, all recipients who fall under the aforementioned category are expected to comply with the state’s employment restrictions to continue receiving benefits. If a beneficiary is unable to find work within three months of receiving assistance, their benefits will be cut. Additionally, an able-bodied adult who does not meet the employment requirements can only be eligible for SNAP for three months over a three year period. This comes to light in the fact that Tennessee is suffering high levels of unemployment. To learn which counties are exempt from the work restrictions, click here.

The newly reinstated employment restrictions require beneficiaries to work or participate in a volunteer work program for at least 20 hours a week. Since Tennessee SNAP offers an Education & Training program, beneficiaries have access to employment opportunities. Additionally, the Education & Training program offers various forms of training so SNAP recipients can develop more work skills. The change in SNAP’s work requirements could affect around 58,000 Tennesseans.

What’s New WithTennessee Food Stamps

Although SNAP benefits, previously known as food stamps, have been around since 1964, Tennessee state officials and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are constantly working to improve the program’s benefits.

Fully Enforced Work Requirements

Extended Funding for SNAP Participants

Since the recession hit in 2008, Tennessee had eased its enforcement of work requirements for eligible SNAP beneficiaries. However, almost a decade later, Tennessee will reinstate work requirements for all able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 with no dependents with

In August of 2017, the USDA and the Appalachian Research Conservation & Development Council (ARC&D) joined forces with several local organizations to establish the Appalachian Farmacy pilot program. The program aims to promote preventative health habits by increasing access to healthy food options

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/snap-abawd-information.html


Preventing SNAP TraffickingSNAP trafficking is the buying or selling of SNAP benefits in exchange for money, drugs, weapons or any other exchange for value. In an effort to regulate the use of taxpayer dollars toward government welfare programs, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) and the USDA have signed a new State Law Enforcement Bureau (SLEB) agreement.

The agreement gives assistance to state and local law enforcement if they discover fraud involving SNAP retailers and/or others who could profit from trafficking SNAP benefits. In this event, the DHS would be granted the authority to expand its use of EBT benefits to document the extent of the violations being committed. This means the government has the power to utilize SNAP benefits for an undercover investigation involving food stamps trafficking. Investigators are required to act on any suspicion of SNAP recipient fraud that is uncovered through a non-recipient SLEB investigation.

Benefits may also be utilized to carry out investigations via social media platforms and other means businesses, organizations, and individuals use to traffic SNAP benefits. Due to the nature of some investigations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will partner in high-profile cases as well.

for individuals and families participating in SNAP. Upon the program’s launch, 140 families had been recruited, with a keen focus on families prone to health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Eventually, the program plans to extend its focus to the elderly and undernourished households. In order to effectively launch the program, the USDA awarded the ARC&D a $94,000 grant. The money enables participating households to buy local fruits and vegetables from Farmer’s Markets in the area. Simultaneously, the program will encourage economic advancement for the local agricultural community.

Furthermore, program participants can enroll in at least two free cooking classes that instruct registrants on how to cook fresh produce, the nutritional benefits of different kinds of produce, and tips on storing fruits and vegetables. By engaging in health lessons and buying from Farmer’s Markets, SNAP recipients in Tennessee can be more involved in a healthier lifestyle.


All public and private schools in the state receive funding for their nutritional program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Charter schools are also welcome to participate in the NSLP, as most public schools in Tennessee have opted into the program. The NSLP, in conjunction with the Tennessee School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program and Afterschool Snack Program, provide free or low-cost meals and snacks to about 500,000 children in the state. Nationally, the NSLP serves about 30.4 million children with nutritional needs.

Since its inception in 1946 under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act during the presidency of Harry Truman, the program has offered millions of children sustainable meals who otherwise might not be able to afford them. Once a school district or independent school elects to participate in the program, the U.S. Department of

Free Breakfast and Lunch

Children in TennesseePrograms for School-Age

With numerous health and nutrition initiatives for schools throughout the state, Tennessee has worked to make sure its school-age children — which are defined as children of high school age or younger — are receiving proper meals.


Agriculture (USDA) sends the districts and schools cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal they serve. A reimbursable meal is any meal covered by the NSLP as a free or reduced meal. Sustainable meals are enforced by the USDA as the agency requires most school lunch programs to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables while decreasing the levels of trans fat, saturated fat and sodium in foods.

Who is eligible for free and reduced lunch?The NSLP program is designed for children who are considered low-income or living in a low-income household. Children who are living in eligible households are generally pre-qualified through their household’s participation in other government assistance programs in Tennessee, such as SNAP and Families First. Furthermore, children who are homeless, runaway, migrants, or foster children are categorically eligible for free and reduced lunch through the NSLP. Categorically eligible means that a child is automatically eligible for free and reduced lunch because they fall within a pre-qualified group of children. As long as the child in question is enrolled in a participating school and meets the income requirements, then he or she should be eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Children who do not fall under one of these categories can still qualify for free or reduced lunch depending on their household income. If your household’s income is at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then your children are eligible for free meals through the NSLP. Likewise, if your household falls between 130 and 185 percent of the FPL, then your children qualify for reduced lunch. Schools are not allowed to charge more than 40 cents for reduced lunch participants. Read the chart below for a clearer understanding of the NSLP income requirements.

Household Size Monthly Income

*For each additional member of the household, add $645 to the total monthly income to calculate eligibility for the NSLP.

$1,8601

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

$2,504

$3,149

$3,793

$4,437

$5,082

$5,726

$6,371


How do I apply for free and reduced lunch?

What happens when my child is out of school during the summer?

You should receive an application for the School Breakfast, School Lunch and Afterschool Snack Program in the beginning of the school year with your child’s first-day-of-school packet. If you do not receive a form, or it is misplaced, then you can ask the school administration for an extra copy. If you have multiple children attending school, then you do not have to fill out an application for each child, even if they are enrolled in different schools. Submit one application on behalf of all of your children, and make sure you have completed the application with all of your children’s information.

If your child received free and reduced lunch last year, but your income has not changed, then you are still responsible for submitting another application for the new school year. Free and reduced lunch expires at the end of every school year, which is why you must submit a new application at the beginning of each school year.

Additionally, you may submit an application for free and reduced lunch at any time during the school year. This means if you move to a new school district or your household income changes, you can still qualify for free and reduced lunch. Children who are runaways may apply to the NSLP with the help of their guidance counselor or a school administrator. Some schools employ homeless liaisons or migrant coordinators for students who are homeless or migrants. It is good practice to consult with these staff members if you are confused about the application process as they are trained to assist you with in-depth information.

NSLP also qualify for SFSP. However, many children in low-income communities do not take advantage of this program, usually because they are unaware of its existence. Meals are distributed through community partners, known as sponsors, at specific meal sites and become available when the school year ends in late spring up until school begins again. You can find a summer site by clicking here.

The NSLP only provides meals to school-aged children during the school year. However, since there are still many children who go without balanced meals during the summer, Tennessee offers the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The same children who qualify for the

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/children/dhs-nutrition-programs/learn-about-the-summer-food-service-program/find-a-summer-food-service-program-site.html


Families First: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

While SNAP provides assistance for food items to needy families, there are still many more expenses most low-income households need support with. In light of this fact, there are many government-funded programs that provide various kinds of assistance for families who cannot financially provide for themselves. These services include health care assistance, temporary cash assistance, and monetary assistance for those who are unemployed without fault.

The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, otherwise known as Families First in Tennessee, is designed to provide financial assistance to households with children who are younger than 19 years of age. In eligible cases, the parents are either absent from the child’s life so the child is in the care of a relative, or the parents are unemployed. Due to these circumstances, the household is classified as low-income. Furthermore, all participating families are mandated to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP), which ensures caregivers are working toward self-sustainability and do not receive TANF for more than 60 months out of their lifetime. The PRP ensures recipients commit to the following actions:

Children must receive vaccines and regular health checks.

Children must have regular attendance at school, including kindergarten.

How to Get Financial Assistancefor Non-Food Items in Tennessee

Recipients must keep up with child support payments, if applicable.

Recipients must be working or attending a work preparation course, unless exempt.

Once participants enter the PRP, they will be obligated to develop and follow a work plan based on their needs and skills. Participants who are receiving Social Security Income (SSI) can be exempt from the work plan as long as they have followed the necessary protocol for exemption. Additional requirements for TANF eligibility include citizenship requirements and income requirements. To qualify, applicants must be citizens or legal immigrants of the United Stated and meet the following income criteria:

Household of two: maximum of $1,628 per month

Household of three: maximum of $1,972 per month

Household of four: maximum of $2,240 per month

Household of five: maximum of $2,470 per month

To apply for Families First, click on this link.

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/families-first-tanf/applying-for-services.htmlc


Unemployment Insurance gives recipients financial assistance when they find themselves laid off or let go from a place of employment through no fault of their own. When claimants become unemployed through no fault of their own, they have not voluntarily left their job nor have they participated in misconduct that goes against company policy. Anyone interested in receiving unemployment benefits should apply as soon as possible after termination in order to receive assistance quickly. In order to qualify, claimants must have earned at least $780.01 in each of the two quarters out of the year from their former employer. Quarters are divided as follows: January – March, April – June, July – September and

Tennessee’s Medicaid program, or TennCare, provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families who do not receive coverage through their place of employment or are unemployed. However, not all adults are eligible for TennCare. Able-bodied adults between the ages of 22 and 64 generally do not qualify for TennCare unless they are pregnant, disabled, in need of treatment for breast cancer or cervical cancer, or are the parents or caretakers of minors. While other states do permit able-bodied adults outside of these categories to qualify for Medicaid, Tennessee did not elect to expand their Medicaid program with the Affordable Care Act in 2012.

In addition to meeting the above criteria, those interested in receiving medical assistance through TennCare must meet basic citizenship and income requirements. All applicants must be residents of Tennessee and a United Stated citizen or legal immigrant who has been in the country at least five years. In order to meet income requirements, applicants must fall at least 133 percent below the federal poverty level, although this varies based upon the category the applicant fall under.

You can apply for TennCare by mail, phone, or online. Click here to apply online.

TennCare Medicaid

Unemployment Insurance

October – December. Likewise, if an individual applies for benefits, he or she must be able to and willing to work. All beneficiaries are required to report their job-seeking activities every week to continue receiving benefits.

With Unemployment Insurance, benefit amounts vary by an individual’s income level. This means that benefits will be based on a certain percentage of the unemployed worker’s income over the past 18 months. Benefits are distributed to recipients weekly in the form of a debit card or through direct deposit.

Before applying, be prepared with your personal and employment history information. The application will ask for your Social Security Number, driver’s license number, address and contact information. If you wish to receive your benefits via direct deposit, you will also need your bank account number and routing number on hand. You will also be expected to provide a history of your last 18 months of employment, the last day you worked, the reason for separation and your former employer’s information.

Click here to apply for Unemployment Insurance in Tennessee.

https://www.healthcare.gov/

https://www.healthcare.gov/

https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment/apply-for-benefits.html


What does it mean to renew your Tennessee food stamps?

When a food stamp recipient’s benefits period is coming to an end, he or she will be notified of the upcoming expiration.

This is the time to decide whether or not you are still in need of SNAP assistance and if you still qualify for benefits. If you have decided to recertify for benefits, then you should know all aspects of the renewal application process in order to successfully continue your SNAP eligibility. In order to renew your SNAP benefits, you will need to present much of the same information as you did on your initial application so the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) can confirm your qualifications. Once your renewal application has been processed, then you will be notified of your continued participation with SNAP or of your denial.

you did before. The second reason is the budget for SNAP could have changed during your benefits period and now you are seeing this changed reflected in your new benefits period.

Even if you still qualify for SNAP, if your circumstances have changed, then you must still report this information to renew your Tennessee food stamps. This is because the renewal process aims to determine whether or not you are qualified for SNAP, regardless of your initial eligibility. In short, is it like qualifying all over again, so any withholding of information can result in denial and could also be considered fraud.

Renewing your Tennessee food stamps means you extended your benefits period to continue receiving assistance. If the DHS accepts your renewal application, then they will continue loading benefits onto your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card every month as they were doing before. It is important to note that you may not receive the same amount of benefits upon your recertification as you were previously receiving. This could occur for one of two reasons. The first is that your income limit or household membership has changed, and you now qualify for more or less assistance than

How to Renew Your Food StampsBenefits in Tennessee


What do you need to renew your SNAP benefits in Tennessee?In order to renew your Tennessee SNAP benefits, you will need the same information you provided during your initial petition. This includes confirmation on your income, household information, contact information and identification.

First and foremost, applicants have to prove they meet the income requirements. Even if a petitioner’s income has not changed, he or she may still be required to provide proof of their income through pay stubs or a letter from an employer. If your income has changed, then you must be aware of the income limits your household is expected to meet in order to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. Currently, the allotment for SNAP in Tennessee is as follows:

The gross standard income is the income your household makes before taxes are deducted. If your household falls above these income limits, then you no longer qualify for food stamps.

Furthermore, applicants seeking to renew their food stamp benefits should be ready to report any changes to their household’s dynamic. For example, if someone is now receiving Social Security Income (SSI), that change needs to be reported because it affects the allotment for SNAP participants. In such cases, you should be prepared to provide documentation so the DHS can quickly verify the information. This includes information on new members of the household or if there are less household members than there were before.

All household members who are going to receive benefits need to meet the citizenship requirements for food stamps. Therefore, if you have new members added to your household, then you will need proof of their citizenship which can include a Social Security Number (SSN), alien registration number, or even a copy of a birth certificate. If you cannot provide this information for a new household member, then this individual cannot qualify for SNAP benefits. Last but not least, if any of your household’s contact information has changed, be sure to include that new information on your application.

Number of people in Household

Gross Income Maximum allotmentamount

1 $1,307 $192

2 $1,760 $352

3 $2,213 $504

4 $2,665 $640

5 $3,118 $760

6 $3,571 $913

7 $4,024 $1,009

8 $4,477 $1,153


continued benefits or if your account has been closed. If your renewal application is denied, and your account was thereby closed, then you can file an appeal. While an interview is not mandatory in order to requalify for benefits, you may be contacted for your eligibility counselor to review your certification.

Food Stamps Renewal ProcessSNAP beneficiaries may reapply for benefits online, by mail or in person. The process is exactly the same as your first application process. If you initially applied for benefits online, then all you have to do is access your account through your DHS portal. Once you access your online account, then you can select the option to reapply for benefits. This is the easiest way to recertify for SNAP because the online portal can auto-populate your information. For any information that has not changed, the online platform can generate your old information onto your new application. However, be sure to double-check your information and work just in case you need to make updates to your information.

Once your basic information has been copied over, you will need to go through the form and manually report your household’s gross monthly income. Additionally, the online application will ask if you if there are any updates you need to make to your household members. If you have to add household members, then you will provide their name, SSN and date of birth. If the member is not a U.S citizen, then you may be asked to provide extra information on their legal immigrant status.

You can submit the application after you have reviewed all of your updated information. If you wish to reapply for SNAP online but did not apply online the first time, then you can simply create an online account with the DHS. When you begin your application, you will be asked if you are recertifying for benefits, in which case you would indicate that you are.

If you wish to reapply for benefits in person, then you can locate your county DHS office here. If you wish to recertify by mail, then you can pick up an application in person to mail back to your local DHS office later, or you can print an application from the DHS website.

The application will take 30 days to process after it has been submitted. Once the process is complete, you will be notified by phone or through mail of your

https://faonlineapp.dhs.tn.gov/

https://faonlineapp.dhs.tn.gov/

https://tn.gov/humanservices/article/office-locator-family-assistance



While the purpose of food stamps is to alleviate some of your expenses so you can afford to get back on your own two feet, managing your food stamp budget will also ensure your family is eating a healthful diet. Since your budget relies on your SNAP benefits, it is best to learn how to spend your benefits wisely so you buy enough food for the entire household to eat well. Eating well requires a good balance of vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy and grains. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate program, half of our meals should consist of fruits and vegetables, or two and a half cups of vegetables daily and two cups of fruit. Additionally, in order to be as healthy as possible, proteins should be lean and half of the grains you consume should be whole grains. This may sound pricey at first, but there are tips and tricks for making the most of your meals while spending carefully.

How to Stretch Tennessee SNAPBenefits by Spending Wisely

https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/myplate


Fresh produce may seem ideal over canned and frozen produce, but solely buying fresh produce is less cost-effective, and the food will go to waste if not eaten within a few days. This is why you should buy a combination of fresh, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. A mixture of different types of produce can provide you with more servings overall than only fresh produce. For example, say you buy two cups of green beans, two cups of peas, and two cups of pears fresh for ten dollars. For the same amount of money, you could have bought four cups of canned pears, three cups of frozen peas, and two cups of fresh green beans. By investing in fresh, frozen, and canned fruit and vegetables, you can save money and spend wisely knowing your produce will not go to waste.

Moreover, make potatoes a part of your vegetable consumption. Potatoes are one of the least expensive vegetables, yet they are rich in potassium and have a long shelf life. Since you can cook potatoes in a variety of ways, such as baking or roasting, your family can get the nutrients they need while enjoying a delicious dish.

Whole grains, which should make up half your daily grain intake, include foods like brown rice, whole grain pasta, bread and cereal. While some whole grain brands are certainly more expensive than their refined counterparts, many store-brand whole grains are just as affordable. For the most part, all of your traditional grains come in a whole grain version, which simply means the wheat has not been stripped of its exterior and its inner seed. By leaving the outer bran and inner germ of the wheat plant, more vitamins and minerals are available to you. Grains that you can buy in whole form include tortillas, bread, rice, pasta and more. Whole grains also keep you fuller for longer, so you will save money on snacking throughout the day by including whole grains in your diet.

Buying leans meats is costly, but there are alternatives that will give you and your family the protein you need while also saving you time in the kitchen. Beans, for example, are tasty, affordable sources of protein. If you buy canned beans instead of dried beans, which usually go for less than a dollar per can, you will save yourself time in the kitchen since you won’t have to soak the beans before cooking. Additionally, most canned beans come in a low sodium variety, which is a healthier option than beans with high salt content. Make a good meal by replacing half of the ground beef in a taco casserole with your favorite beans, season per usual, and you’ve just saved yourself money and time.

Fruits & Vegetables

Grains

Proteins


Eggs, another high source of protein, cook quickly and can be added to just about any dish. At just 15 cents per egg, incorporating them into your diet is an effective way to spend wisely since they stay fresh for a long time. In addition to eggs and beans, canned fish provides a low-cost alternative to fresh lean meats. Tuna and salmon, some of the most nutrient-rich fish options, are readily available in canned form and can be used for a variety of meals such as casserole dishes and sandwiches. Although these are great ways to save money on proteins, don’t deprive yourself of fresh lean meats like chicken and beef every once in a while. It is important to have variety in your diet, and different types of meats offer different types of nutrients in addition to protein.

The best way to be healthy and budget-savvy when you purchase dairy items is to look for low-fat options and pay attention to unit prices. The unit price is how much the item costs per ounce, and can be found next to the item’s price. Typically, larger packages have a lower unit price than smaller packages. For example, a big bag of shredded cheese can cost two cents per ounce but a smaller bag might cost five cents per ounce. This would make the bigger bag cheaper, and you can store dairy products in the freezer if you are worried they will spoil before you finish them.

Dairy


Free Career Training Programsin Tennessee

Career training programs have developed to help adults who have not obtained a four year degree develop skills and practical training in a specialized area of studyEDIT TO: Career training programs have been established to help adults who have not obtained a four year degree develop skills and practical training in a specialized area of study

The goal of these programs is to have students prepare to immediately enter the workforce upon graduation. Furthermore, the benefit of this specialized training, typically referred to as vocational training, is that it is less expensive than attending a four year college or university, and it allows those wishing to overstep academic study to have a more practical approach to their education. Adults who enter career training programs typically enter fields that do not require a bachelor’s degree, such as mechanical, electrical or plumbing. Vocational training is also good for clerical or customer service work as it teaches students interpersonal communication skills. There are various types of career training programs, which can consist of online or face-to-face instruction, commissioned by non-profit and for-profit institutions

Tennessee residents who are recipients of SNAP may volunteer or be mandated to register with the SNAP Employment & Training Program (SNAP E&T). The program offers free assistance with vocational training and postsecondary education for SNAP beneficiaries and is funded by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Through the program, participants develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP), which analyzes a worker’s work history, education, skill levels, and barriers to employment in order to determine if he or she can benefit from additional training and/or education.

Within the department’s partnership with TN Reconnect, the state is able to cover any tuition or fees associated with pursing any certification, two-year degree, or vocational training for any individual who has received a high school diploma or equivalent at any Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus. Once you have developed an IEP with your counselor, you can decide which course would be best for your ambitions and needs. Remember, the goal of this program is to ensure you acquire an income and career that make you independent of government assistance. Therefore, the funds are for you to use to your advantage.

SNAP Employment & Training

alike. Both institutions will cost its students a good amount of money, though. Fortunately, the state of Tennessee offers free vocational training programs to its residents through various channels.

https://www.tn.gov/workforce/jobs-and-education/training-opportunities/training-opportunities-redirect/paying-for-training/snap-employment---training.html

https://www.tn.gov/workforce/jobs-and-education/training-opportunities/training-opportunities-redirect/paying-for-training/snap-employment---training.html


Tennessee Rehabilitation Center - Vocational TrainingVocational training offered by the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center can be accessed by any resident of the state who is diagnosed with a physical, mental or sensory (like blindness) impairment. Often, these individuals have been registered with the Social Security Administration and are receiving government assistance like Social Security Income and SNAP. The purpose of the center’s vocational training is to secure consistent employment that builds upon the individual’s strengths. You may apply to these services directly with Vocational Rehabilitation by locating a local office here. Vocational training at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center offers a number of different programs for registrants to participate in. These programs offer practical skill training to prepare students for entry-level positions through a combination of lecture and hands-on practice. The various programs offered by the Rehabilitation Center are as follows:

Auto Maintenance and Detailing — students learn about auto lubrication and detailing. The skills learned through these 16-week courses prepare students for an entry level position in either Detailing or Lubrication. Students can elect to take one or both courses.

Garden Center-Nursery — this is a self-paced course and teaches students how to maintain landscapes with skills such as mowing, trimming, watering and weed eating.

Retail — students prepare to work in the retail industry by learning positive work behaviors and practical interpersonal skills. The course is 12 weeks.

Power Equipment — this 16-week program teaches students how to work within the warehousing industry. Internships and additional training in forklift operations are available to those who qualify.

Food Service — this 18-week course offers internships within the food service industry while also teaching students practical behavioral skills.

Manufacturing Logistics — this course prepares students to work in manufacturing production by gaining an understanding of the tools, materials, and basic tasks required of a manufacturing line.

Commercial Cleaning — meant to prepare students for a position in the cleaning/ janitorial industry, this 12-week program helps students develop skills like positive work behaviors, punctuality and personal hygiene.

Business Education — this 20-week program offers students guidance in clerical and customer service positions. Students with previous work experience in this field will complete a tailored program so they re-enter the workforce with ease. Students with no experience will receive hands-on training that may consist of the opportunity to train externally with a local business.

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/community-trc.html

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/community-trc.html

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/office-locator-trc-ttap.html


The aforementioned TN Reconnect program was commissioned by Governor Bill Haslam in an effort to provide more opportunities for adults to advance their education and skillset so they have the opportunity to grow in the workforce. This action is part of a mission Governor Haslam calls “Drive to 55” which means the state is working to get 55 percent of Tennesseans prepared with a college degree or certificate by 2025. This mission offers three initiatives for you to take advantage of, with two of three being free of charge:

TN Promise: two years of community or technical college tuition-free to Tennessee residents who have graduated high school.

TN Reconnect: meant for adults who did not complete a post-secondary degree. The initiative helps these non-traditional students reengage without any tuition or fees.

TN Leap: recognizes post-secondary institution’s responsibility to provide students with necessary skills and credentials so they can succeed and meet employer’s needs.

Other Opportunities

https://www.tnreconnect.gov/


Sample Meal Plansin Tennessee on a Budget

The best way to budget for your SNAP allotment is to meal plan.

Meal planning allows you to navigate your budget efficiently by knowing what foods you plan on buying and how much they will cost. Once you know what foods to buy and how much your grocery bill will be, then you can begin to use your allotment effectively by planning meals that fit within your budget. Couple this practice with using foods and cooking meals that will last longer, and you have an economical system for maximizing your SNAP benefits. However, most households can agree that they want their meals to be both tasty and nutritious. To give you ideas on how to accomplish delicious and satisfying meals with your food stamps, we have provided sample meal plan to help you make the best of your SNAP benefits.

The first step to meal planning is to make sure you are purchasing sustainable food. MyPlate, the new version of the food pyramid, is a great way to decide which foods you should have to create well-balanced meals.

MyPlate includes:

• Grains: rice, oats, corn

• Proteins: meat, poultry, beans

• Fruits: oranges, apples, bananas

• Vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes

• Dairy: low-fat milk, yogurt

When you buy food from these major food groups, you can easily concoct a variety of nutritious meals that account for an entire day or multiple days. That is the art of meal planning: getting your meals to accommodate for more than just one meal.


An individual meal plan may look like this:

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

SNACK

DINNER

DESSERT

Grain: toastProtein: scrambled egg

Dairy: Glass of milk

Protein: ChickenGrain: Rice

Vegetables: Broccoli and green beans

Protein: FishGrain: Rice

Vegetables: Squash

Fruit: Banana

Grain: One cup of popcorn popped and bagged the night before

Fruit: Mixed cup of fruitDairy: low-fat yogurt

Notice how all aspects of MyPlate are incorporated into the entire day. Rice is used for both lunch and dinner because it keeps well and is easy to reheat. This means you can make a batch of rice the night before and use it for both of your meals. While this kind of preparation takes up time at first, you save time in the long run when you have enough rice or cooked meat to last you for the next few days. For example, chicken normally comes in a pack of multiple pieces. If you spend one day out of the week cooking that pack of chicken along with rice or some other grain, then you can simply pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. Vegetables are easy to handle because you can simply toss them into your portable food storage container raw with your meat and grains. The veggies will cook up with the rest of your meal when you reheat it.

Plan for most of your beverages to be water. Water has zero calories, you need it to survive, and unlike most other beverages, it is not loaded with sugar. Another reason to drink water throughout the day is because it is usually cheaper than other beverages.

A family may have more trouble planning meals since there are more mouths to feed and time is limited. Usually, if children take lunch to school, they do not have the ability to heat up leftovers in a microwave. However, it is still possible to meal plan for families using a similar technique for an individual. Start by preparing breakfast and dinner in advance. Eggs stay fresh for a long time, even when cooked, which means you can make scrambled eggs in advance and heat them up for breakfast every morning, either on the stove, in the oven or in the microwave. Toast a few pieces of bread while the eggs are heating, spoon your scrambled eggs on a piece of toast, and you and your family are ready to go in the morning.


Dairy: Cup of yogurt

Grain: one cup of popcorn popped and bagged the night before

Protein: eight eggs scrambled the night beforeGrain: four pieces of whole wheat toast

Fruit: one banana each

Protein: ChickenGrain: Rice

Vegetable: Broccoli

Protein: Sliced turkeyDairy: Cheese

Grain: Whole wheat breadVegetable: Tomato and spinach

Here a sample meal plan for a family of four:

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

SNACK

DINNER

DESSERT Fruit: Mixed cup of fruit

Notice the differences in the family meal plan versus the individual meal plan. When you have to get the kids ready for school in the morning, there might not be time to sit and enjoy a glass of milk, so you can account for your dairy intake at lunch instead.

As long as pre-packaged popcorn is not lathered in butter, it makes for a nutritious snack that is easy to prepare. The chicken dish for lunch was substituted with a turkey sandwich, which is good for an on-the-go meal. You can easily prepare sandwiches for the week by making them Sunday night and keeping them in the refrigerator. If you like to add condiments on your sandwiches, save them until you are ready to eat it because otherwise, they will make the bread soggy.

If you find you do not have enough time to make dinner every night, then planning for a protein dish with grains and vegetables is still easy because you can cook most of it at a more convenient time. Cook your chicken and rice beforehand, and then heat the dish up with a quick pop in the microwave for dinner. Vegetables tend to cook quickly, so that would be the only part of the meal you would want to prepare fresh.

These sample meal plans are meant to help you think about ways you can utilize your food effectively. Planning and preparing may take time, but it will make feeding your household much easier. Incorporating these strategies with effective budgeting can help you achieve a well-balanced diet with your SNAP benefits. To learn more about budgeting your groceries, read our other article on spending wisely.

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