SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), previously known as Food Stamps, is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger. This federal program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), helps Americans with low incomes put food on the table and stretch their budgets by providing benefits to buy groceries. In the state of Tennessee, The Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees and manages the SNAP program.
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which is used similarly to a debit card. This card is then used to purchase grocery items from participating grocery stores.
Our SNAP assistance team can answer your questions and walk you through the process of applying for SNAP benefits. This includes:
Contact our SNAP team to get started.
Eligibility for SNAP is dependent on your household’s income, assets, citizenship, and residency requirements. Check your eligibility and get help applying here.
In the state of Tennessee, you can either complete a paper or online application. After you complete and submit your application to The Department of Human Services (DHS), they will schedule a phone interview with you, which you must complete. During the phone interview, they will ask you to submit verifications, including proof of residency, ID, expense receipts, and other documents. Once your verifications are received and you complete your phone interview, DHS will determine if you’re approved or denied. Applying is the first step, and we offer free application assistance. Apply with our assistance here.
To check the status of your existing SNAP case or application, you can contact DHS by phone at 1-866-311-4287 or you can use the OneDHS portal.
You can reschedule your missed phone interview with DHS by calling 1-866-311-4287. In some cases, if you miss the phone interview and don’t reschedule within a certain timeframe, you may be required to reapply by submitting a new application.
If you feel you were wrongly denied, you can file a SNAP appeal directly with DHS or get assistance from an organization to help you with the denial process. Contact our SNAP team for more information at snap@secondharvestmidtn.org or call 615-310-0752.
To get a new EBT card, call the EBT Customer Service Center at 1-888-997-9444. It is important to ensure the address they have on file for you is up to date so they mail the new card to your current address.
TruConnect Lifeline Plan offers free unlimited talk/text/international calling, 4.5GB of data, and a free SIM card. Learn more here.
Safelink Wireless offers free unlimited text, 4.5 GB of data, and a free SIM card. Minutes are capped at 350 free minutes (anything over will be billed). Learn more here.
Access from AT&T offers low-cost wireless home internet service to households with at least one resident participating in the U.S. SNAP program. Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi, no annual contract, no deposit, $10/month or less based on the maximum speed available. Learn more here.
Assurance Wireless Cell Phone Plan offers free monthly calls, texts, and data. Free smartphone. $0 cell phone bill. No annual contract. Qualify based on HH income, participation in SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid. Learn more here.
Mint Mobile offers plans as low as $15/month, which include high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. Learn more here.
The Nashville Zoo is offering discounted annual Household memberships to SNAP participants for $50, discounted from the regular rate of $145. Learn more here.
The Adventure Science Center is offering subsidized memberships at $45 per year for families who participate in SNAP, WIC, or TANF. Learn more here.
The Huntsville Space Center offers admission at $3 per person for up to four people with an EBT card. Learn more here.
Nashville Farmers’ Market customers who use EBT cards for purchases can receive $1 in Fresh Bucks tokens for every SNAP dollar they spend. Learn more here.
Qualifying government assistance recipients can access all of Prime for $6.99 per month, compared to the regular Prime membership of $14.99 per month. Learn more here.
SNAP recipients can purchase seeds or vegetable/herb plants using SNAP at any place that accepts SNAP benefits.
Save big on Walmart+ by obtaining a discounted Walmart+ membership of just $6.47/month or $49/year. Learn more here.
Children in households receiving SNAP benefits can get free school meals regardless of income. Learn more here.
Interested in becoming a SNAP Partner? We conduct SNAP training and resources for interested community partners.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, please read the complete USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
For more information about SNAP in Tennessee, please visit the Department of Human Services website.
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