Tennessee

Get the facts about hunger in Tennessee

Though many of us may not realize the grave disparities that exist in our own communities, people face hunger in every county and congressional district in Tennessee. They could be our neighbors, kids in our children's classes – the possibilities go on.

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What Hunger Looks Like in Tennessee

In Tennessee, 984,430 people are facing hunger - and of them 274,320 are children.

1 in 7 people

Illustration showing 7 stick figures in a row with one highlighted in green.

face hunger.

1 in 6 children face hunger.
People facing hunger in Tennessee are estimated to report needing $734,362,000 more per year to meet their food needs.

The average cost of a meal in Tennessee is $3.97. Data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study. Learn more ›


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee

Charitable programs are unable to fully support those facing hunger. The combination of charity and government assistance programs are necessary to help bridge the meal gap.

SNAP, formerly food stamps, provides temporary help for people going through hard times – providing supplemental money to buy food until they can get back on their feet.

In Tennessee,

41.8% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children
$1,307,248,122
distributed through
SNAP generated
$2,222,321,807 in economic activity*.

*Economists estimate that every dollar a household redeems through SNAP generates about $1.70 in economic activity.


Make a Difference in Tennessee

Volunteer in Tennessee

The Feeding America network is able to reach 40 million people, largely thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Our communities are stronger when we join together – help give your neighbors a hand up by volunteering at your local food bank.

Pledge to volunteer ›

Become an Advocate

To make progress toward ending hunger in Tennessee, we need to make sure our lawmakers in Washington are fighting for those struggling back home. You can help make sure they see how great the need is in Tennessee – call on lawmakers to make ending hunger a priority.

Contact your member of Congress today ›

5 Food Banks that serve Tennessee

Food banks serve large areas and will be able to find a feeding program in your local community.

Chattanooga Area Food Bank

Chattanooga Area Food Bank

2009 Curtain Pole Road
Chattanooga, TN 37406
423.622.1800

www.chattfoodbank.org 

Mid-South Food Bank

Mid-South Food Bank

3865 S Perkins Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
901.527.0841

www.midsouthfoodbank.org