This year has brought both great progress and new challenges for communities. Together, we’ve expanded meal access, strengthened partnerships, and helped more children and families find stability through programs like summer meals.
At the same time, families across the country are feeling the strain of delays in SNAP benefits. 42 million Americans, including 16 million kids, remain uncertain about/experienced delays in their November grocery assistance. In Tennessee, over 690,000 residents rely on SNAP. SNAP is our nation’s largest nutrition program and communities simply can’t fill the gap.
For many households, these benefits are a lifeline, helping parents put nourishing meals on the table. When those benefits are delayed, kids often feel the impact first. Hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach, it also affects how children are able to show up at school ready to learn and play.
This year has underscored both the challenges we face and the strength of our collective response. But in the face of these challenges, schools and nonprofits continue to show extraordinary commitment and compassion. School nutrition teams make sure students have access to breakfast and lunch, no matter what’s happening at home. Food pantries, community centers, and local nonprofits are stretching resources to fill the gaps—packing meal boxes, organizing food drives, and ensuring no child is forgotten.
In Tennessee, we are in this work together. No Kid Hungry Tennessee is committed to ensuring kids have access to the food they need every day.
To every educator, volunteer, and community leader who refuses to let a child go hungry: thank you. While the path ahead remains complex, our shared progress shows what is possible when we work together toward a common goal. Below are a few highlights that show how kids win when we work together.
2025 Summer Hunger Heroes
In June 2025, No Kid Hungry celebrated eleven honorees across nine states across the country as our 2025 Hunger Heroes! These dedicated professionals have shown outstanding commitment to summer hunger relief. This year’s heroes have gone above and beyond to expand summer meals in rural communities. In Tennessee, we honored Representative Mary Littleton of the Tennessee General Assembly for District 78, Cheatham and Part of Dickson Counties. We are so grateful to recognize and honor our favorite partners across Tennessee!
Rural Non-Congregate Summer Meal Expansion
Transportation challenges often make it difficult for rural families to reach summer meal sites. That’s why non-congregate meal models, like grab-and-go or home delivery, have been transformative.
In summer 2025, sponsors offered rural non-congregate meal programs across Tennessee. Thanks to the hard work of our partners, more children than ever were able to enjoy healthy summer meals right at home.
No Kid Hungry Tennessee In the News
Raising awareness is a key part of ending childhood hunger. This year, we were honored our programs and partners featured in local media, highlighting both the challenges families face and the incredible work being done to ensure kids have consistent access to meals.
- Summer meal programs fill critical gap for Nashville children as Tennessee opts out of federal food assistance
- [VIDEO] A look at how the YMCA of East TN is helping feed people in surrounding counties.
- ‘It’s really tough for families’ | ‘ETHRA Sunshine Bus’ and Oak Ridge Schools helping fight food insecurity during summer
- YMCA of East Tennessee delivers more than 90,000 meals to children in rural communities during summer program
- ‘This is a necessity’: YMCA of East TN distributing free meals for kids in Grainger, Union counties
- Local organizations work to provide free meals across West Tennessee | Featuring Southwest Human Resource Agency, YMCA of West Tennessee and Haywood County Schools
- MSCS, YMCA to provide free meals for kids this summer | Featuring YMCA West Tennessee & Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Free Summer Meals For Kids Now Available From The Chattanooga YMCA
- YMCA of Middle Tennessee launching free summer food program for kids
- How schools are feeding food-insecure families this summer | Featuring Robertson County Schools
- Here’s where Shelby County families can find free meals and snacks this summer | Featuring Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- With deadline looming, low-income families and advocates make a final plea to Tennessee governor to renew Summer EBT
- Why Tennessee is rejecting millions that help families pay for summer groceries
- With Tennessee Opting Out of Summer EBT, Hunger Looms
- Tennessee launches its summer food benefits this week. Most students in the state will miss out.
Each success represents the care, creativity, and determination of partners like you. “I am endlessly inspired by the people and organizations across Tennessee who show up every day to make sure no child goes hungry. Your compassion and commitment make all the difference,” said Marissa Spady, No Kid Hungry Senior Manager.
During this time of uncertainty for millions of families, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your partnership and support. To our school nutrition teams, community organizations, policymakers, state agencies, and advocates — your shared commitment is what makes the vision of No Kid Hungry a reality. Thank you!
