As of November 1, SNAP (food stamp) benefits have not been reloaded for millions of Americans — including families right here in Middle Tennessee. The ongoing federal budget freeze has halted funding for November, leaving many households unsure how they’ll afford groceries this month.
If you rely on SNAP, you can still use any remaining balance from October, but no new funds will be added until Congress approves new funding. That means local food banks and pantries are seeing huge spikes in demand — and they need our help.
Visit Feed TN to see a list of resources compiled by the state
Where to Get Food Assistance in Nashville
Here are a few trusted local resource partners:
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
- 331 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN 37228
- secondharvestmidtn.org
- Use their Find Food map to locate food distribution near you aacross Davidson County and beyond. If you can help, Second Harvest is also accepting food and monetary donations to keep shelves stocked.
- The Branch of Nashville (Southeast Nashville)
- 41 Tusculum Rd, Antioch, TN 37013
- thebranchofnashville.org
- Food pantry visits are by online appointment. If you cannot get an appointment, each family can get one emergency box a month without an appointment.
- The Store
- 2005 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
- thestore.org
- Provides free grocery support
- St. Luke’s Community House
- 5601 New York Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
- stlch.org
- The Pantry at St. Luke’s is open to any resident of Davidson County. You can schedule an appointment for faster service and walk ups are always welcome!\
- OneGenAway drive-thru food supplement pickups:
- onegenaway.com
- An 18-pound box of shelf-stable food
- A 10-pound box of fresh produce
- There will be 16 OneGenAway pop-up box distributions that will each serves up to 240 families
- Nashville Rescue Mission will be giving out free meals to those impacted by the SNAP pause at mealtimes at the following locations:
- Men’s Campus: 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN
- Women & Children’s Campus: 1716 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN
- Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church in North Nashville will host a food and kids coats giveaway on November 8.
- 2200 26th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37208
- Items given on a first-come, first-served basis
- They will have delivery slots available
- Deliveries available only for seniors and people with disabilities without access to transportation.
- Call 615-880-1606 to schedule delivery.
How You Can Help (Even If You’re Not in Need)
- Donate Food: Non-perishables like rice, pasta, canned goods, and cereal are in high demand.
- Volunteer: Packing boxes, sorting food, or greeting guests makes a real difference.
- Financial donations: Money is flexible and can help organizations purchase fresh produce or cover sudden increases in demand.
- Spread the word: Sharing information about where to go, who to call, and what to bring can make a major difference.
Visit FeedTN.org to see donation options for your area.
OneGenAway is asking for volunteers and donations.
