Food assistance information during government shutdown
Food assistance information during government shutdown
Tyler Hill
During the ongoing federal government shutdown, families who need food support may be eligible for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides free nutrition assistance across Tennessee.
To qualify for TEFAP, applicants must:
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Be a Tennessee resident (no address or ID required to confirm residency).
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Need food assistance.
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Meet income eligibility in one of the following ways:
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Show proof of participation in a means-tested program such as SNAP, Families First, Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or Public Housing, or
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Confirm household income is below 185% of the federal poverty level (see chart below).
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2025–26 TEFAP Income Eligibility (185%)
| Persons in Family/Household | Maximum Yearly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,303 |
| 4 | $59,478 |
| 5 | $69,653 |
| 6 | $79,828 |
| 7 | $90,003 |
| 8 | $100,178 |
If a household earns less than the amount listed for its size, it may be eligible for TEFAP assistance.