Nonprofit shares resources for food-insecure homes amid possible SNAP changes
JACKSON, Tenn. — On Friday, August 8 Governor Bill Lee announced he was seeking a federal waiver to enhance the SNAP program in Tennessee.
This would allow users to buy hot food items, such as a rotisserie chicken, however would not allow the purchase of sugary snacks and beverages.
“For people who are limited by a lack of transportation, and living in a food desert who have to do a lot of their shopping at a Dollar General or the local corner store, it’s not as easy as it might seem on paper,” said Lisa Tillman, executive director with RIFA.
RIFA has served West Tennessee communities for almost 50 years.
“We are going to be here every day, as we have been, in this community doing the best we can to meet the needs of people to fill in the gaps,” said Tillman. “Do I think that with everything going on at the federal level that we could and probably will see more people coming in for assistance? Absolutely, and we’re going to do all that we can to meet that need,” said Tillman.
Currently SNAP allows participants to buy fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, bread, and cereals. With this possible federal waiver, participants can now purchase hot food items.
What resources are available in the area
RIFA offers a program that allows residents to shop in their Choice Food Pantry. “If you walk in there at any given time, there will be canned food items and boxed food items; hopefully, there will be fresh meat and fresh eggs, and fruits and vegetables” said Tillman.
More than 33% of SNAP participants are in families with disabled or older adults that use SNAP benefits according to the CBPP.
RIFA’s “Senior Staples” program offers help to those that are older. “For low income seniors in Rosewood Gardens and Centennial Pass, we partner with the Jackson Housing Authority and Falcon Ridge Farms and every other week we distribute CSA boxes containing seasonal fresh produce,” said Tillman. Additionally, they receive Senior Staples bi-monthly. These boxes contain 30-35 pounds of shelf-stable food.
The CBPP reports that more than 66% of SNAP participants are in families with kids.
RIFA’s Snack Backpack Program delivers bags of food each Friday to elementary students in the Jackson schools. These bags contain food for 6 meals and two snacks to sustain them for the weekend.
The CBPP shares that most SNAP participants in Tennessee have incomes below the poverty lines in 2022. 43% had an income at or below 50% of the poverty line.
“We try, as much as we are able, to fill the gap and provide people with fresh produce, even though that’s limited here at RIFA as well,” said Tillman.
RIFA’s administrative offices are open Monday from 9am to 4pm and Tuesday through Friday from 8am until 4pm.
