RIFA responds to predicted end of SNAP benefits

RIFA RESPONDS TO PREDICTED END OF SNAP BENEFITS

JACKSON, TENN. – OCT. 28, 2025 – The government is expected to pause SNAP benefits for all participants on Nov. 1, 2025 amid the government shutdown. As a result, many families in our community will lose ready access to food. These families will turn to food banks like RIFA for help. 

SNAP benefits are widely used in our region. In the state of Tenn., over 700,000 residents are participants in this program, or 9.8% of the population. In contrast, double the residents in Madison County rely on funds provided by SNAP: 18.1% according to the Food Research and Action Center. 

At RIFA, we distribute approximately 600,000 meals yearly to members of our community. If the government continues with the current trend and ceases SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, we are preparing for a higher volume of patrons requesting food services. 

“In anticipation of people not receiving SNAP benefits for the month of November,” says Lisa Tillman, Executive Director, “we are having conversations internally, with United Way and with other hunger-fighting agencies in the area, on how we will work together to respond to the increased need for services, assuming that this issue will not be resolved by Nov. 1.” 

RIFA has humbly served the community for almost 50 years, and we remain committed to serving our food-insecure neighbors during this difficult time. For those able to donate, we accept monetary donations through our website (https://rifajackson.org) as well as checks mailed in or hand delivered to our office (133 Airways Blvd.). In terms of food donations, we need dry goods (rice, beans, pasta, hamburger helper, macaroni and cheese, etc.) and shelf-stable proteins (peanut butter, canned chicken/tuna, etc.). We are thankful for all of the donations we have already received thus far for the anticipated end of SNAP benefits. 

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