United Way of West Tennessee, Community Foundation of West Tennessee mobilize regional response to SNAP benefits delay

United Way of West Tennessee and the Community Foundation of West Tennessee  Mobilize Regional Response to SNAP Benefits Delay

Jackson, Tenn. (October 31, 2025) – While we recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation, with more than 690,000 Tennesseans affected by the federal government shutdown and resulting delay in SNAP benefits beginning November 1, United Way of West Tennessee and the Community Foundation of West Tennessee are joining forces to ensure individuals and families across the region have continued access to food and emergency assistance. 

In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives—which  has launched FEEDTN.org—United Way of West Tennessee is coordinating efforts with  local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and industry partners throughout its 15-county  service area to: 

• Coordinate food drives with campaign partners to replenish local pantries
• Monitor the capacity and needs of regional food assistance agencies to identify gaps and  direct resources where they are most needed
• Mobilize volunteers to support food distribution and community relief efforts
• Connect residents to real-time assistance through United Way’s 211 emergency hotline,  which provides information on nearby food pantries, meal sites, and other vital resources.

To make information more accessible, United Way has launched a dedicated web page  where community members can: 

• Find local food assistance locations
• Learn where to donate food or funds
• Discover volunteer opportunities in their county.

For assistance or to learn how to help, visit uwwt.org/food or call 2-1-1. 

In response to the gap in benefits and the increased need for resources, the Community  Foundation is launching an appeal for monetary donations. These gifts will be used to  provide emergency grants for hunger relief to regional food banks, meal programs, and  other partners.

Hunger Relief Grants are critical to ongoing operations for food assistance organizations as  they see an increased need. Funding allows them to pivot and purchase necessary resources  for individuals and families who are impacted by this delay. 

All gifts received between now and November 15, 2025, will be matched by the Community  Foundation up to $40,000. Donations can be made online at cfwtn.org/hunger or by check to 74 Directors Row, Jackson, TN 38305. 

“Our primary purpose is to support our friends and neighbors, and right now, many are  facing a devastating challenge,” said Beth Koffman, Chief Operating Officer for the  Community Foundation. “The vital need our community is facing from the disruption in  benefits is impacting struggling families, seniors, and working individuals. Immediate action  is needed to fund our local pantries, ensuring they have the resources to meet the increased  demand. 

For more information, assistance, or ways to help, visit uwwt.org/food or call 2-1-1.

United Way of West Tennessee
Established in 1941, United Way of West Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that  mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. It serves 15 counties in West Tennessee  with a focus on health, youth opportunity, financial stability, and community resiliency.  Learn more at uwwt.org.

Community Foundation of West Tennessee
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee was established in 1985 to strengthen the  health and well-being of the region by serving as a catalyst for positive changes in the arts,  education, healthcare, and other causes. It enhances the quality of life for residents by  supporting programs, initiatives, and organizations serving rural West Tennessee. Learn  more at www.cfwtn.org.

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