Gov. Lee warns to expect delay in SNAP benefits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Gov. Bill Lee warned Tennessee residents to expect delays in receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November.

The governor told SNAP recipients to expect a lapse in benefits on their cards beginning Nov. 1. Any remaining benefits from the month of October may still be accessed in November, per U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance.

According to a release, Gov. Lee said, “Congressional Democrats have not voted to end the government shutdown. The longer Democrats wait to reopen the government, the more delays customers can expect as the program restarts.”

“Congress has a responsibility to fund the federal government, and while Democrats continue to hold federal dollars hostage, my administration is working with members of the faith community and nonprofit partners to ensure Tennessee families do not go hungry,” continued Gov. Lee. “I share the frustration of hardworking Tennesseans who will be impacted by this temporary lapse, and sincerely hope Democrats will choose to put the American people ahead of politics and reopen the government now.”

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

According to the state’s latest budget, Tennessee has more than $3.2 billion in federal money set aside for SNAP benefits. However, there are zero state dollars budgeted to replace those benefits if Washington fails to deliver.

The shutdown may also cause delays in processing applications or renewals.