The Tennessee Department of Human Services will provide a $120 one-time payment to families in several UC counties through the Summer Nutrition Initiative.
The program launched in 2025 to provide nutrition assistance to families in underserved counties. That includes Cannon, Clay, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson and Smith Counties.
The benefit is available to children between the ages of 5 and 18 as of May 1, 2026, who are members of an active SNAP or Families First case as of May 31, 2026. Eligible households do not need to apply for the funds, as the payment will be issued automatically to existing EBT cards.
The first payment comes Friday.
“This initiative reflects Tennessee’s commitment to ensuring children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer,” Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Clarence H. Carter said. “By providing targeted support to families in communities with limited access to summer meal programs, we are helping bridge a critical gap to ensure children receive the nutrition support needed during the summer months.”