{"id":13424,"date":"2025-11-20T18:53:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/tennessee\/?p=13424"},"modified":"2025-11-20T18:53:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:53:53","slug":"meeting-the-moment-gratitude-for-partners-like-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/tennessee\/2025\/11\/20\/meeting-the-moment-gratitude-for-partners-like-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting the Moment: Gratitude For Partners Like You!"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year has brought both great progress and new challenges for communities. Together, we\u2019ve expanded meal access, strengthened partnerships, and helped more children and families find stability through programs like summer meals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>Tennessee<\/span>, over <\/span>690,000<\/span> residents rely on SNAP.<\/span>\u00a0SNAP is our nation’s largest nutrition program and communities simply can’t fill the gap.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t just mean an empty stomach, it also affects how children are able to show up at school ready to learn and play.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s happening at home. Food pantries, community centers, and local nonprofits are stretching resources to fill the gaps\u2014packing meal boxes, organizing food drives, and ensuring no child is forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n

In <\/b>Tennessee<\/b>, we are in this work together<\/b>. No Kid Hungry <\/span>Tennessee<\/span> is committed to ensuring kids have access to the food they need every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To every educator, volunteer, and community leader who refuses to let a child go hungry: <\/span>thank you<\/b>. While the path ahead remains complex, our shared progress shows what is possible when we work together toward a common goal.\u00a0 Below are a few highlights that show how kids win when we work together.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2025 Summer Hunger Heroes<\/b><\/p>\n

In June 2025, No Kid Hungry celebrated eleven honorees across nine states across the country as our<\/span> 2025 Hunger Heroes<\/b><\/a>! These dedicated professionals have shown outstanding commitment to summer hunger relief. This year\u2019s heroes have gone above and beyond to expand summer meals in rural communities. In <\/span>Tennessee<\/span>, we honored <\/span>Representative Mary Littleton<\/span> of <\/span>the Tennessee General Assembly<\/span> for <\/span>District 78, Cheatham and Part of Dickson Counties<\/span>. We are so grateful to recognize and honor our favorite partners across <\/span>Tennessee<\/span>!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rural Non-Congregate Summer Meal Expansion<\/b><\/p>\n

Transportation challenges often make it difficult for rural families to reach summer meal sites. That\u2019s why non-congregate meal models, like grab-and-go or home delivery, have been transformative.<\/span><\/p>\n

In summer 2025,<\/span> sponsors <\/span>offered rural non-congregate meal programs <\/span>across <\/span>Tennessee<\/span>. Thanks to the hard work of our partners, more children than ever were able to enjoy healthy summer meals right at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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No Kid Hungry Tennessee In the News<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n