Mar 03, 2025

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE): Protecting States’ Rights to Streamline Food Assistance Access and Prevent Increased Administrative Costs

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is crucial in supporting millions of individuals and families with low incomes across the U.S. Though benefits average only about $6 per person per day, SNAP significantly reduces food insecurity, alleviates poverty, and promotes health and stability. By offering food assistance that can be redeemed for groceries at authorized stores, SNAP not only helps individuals but also injects millions of federal dollars into state economies, supporting local businesses and municipalities.

Feb 28, 2025

Celebrate National School Breakfast Week by Calling on Congress to Protect School Meals

March 3–7 is National School Breakfast Week, a celebration recognizing the critical role school breakfast plays in students’ health and learning. Research shows that school breakfast improves children’s nutrition, attendance, behavior, and academic performance; however, barriers such as cost and time prevent far too many students from participating in this vital morning meal.

Feb 26, 2025

New State-Funded Food Assistance Program to Replace Summer EBT – 96 Percent of Tennessee Children in Households With Low Incomes to be Left Without Benefits

In the summer of 2024, Tennessee participated in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program, which provided $120 in grocery benefits to approximately 700,000 eligible children across the state. While Summer EBT benefit dollars are provided by the federal government, states must match 50 percent of the administrative cost of implementing and operating the program. Tennessee allocated $5.8 million to cover half of Summer EBT administrative costs in 2024, and in return, the state drew down over $77 million in benefits that helped to address childhood food insecurity during the summer months.

Feb 18, 2025

9.5 Million Children Will Miss Out on Summer EBT Nutrition Benefits in 2025

The Summer EBT program helps provide nutrition benefits to children when school is out, but 12 states have opted out for 2025, leaving 9.5 million kids without support and over $1.1 billion in unused funds. Advocates can call representatives, raise awareness, and encourage enrollment to strengthen the program.