Tennessee SNAP Waiver Resources
On December 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved a request from the Tennessee Department of Human Services to operate a two-year demonstration project. This project amends the federal definition of "eligible foods" for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases in Tennessee. Effective July 31, 2026, Tennessee retailers will no longer be able to accept SNAP benefits for certain processed foods and beverages (such as soda, energy drinks, candy, and other items where sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar sweeteners are primary ingredients).
Recognizing the operational challenges these changes present for Tennessee's SNAP-authorized vendors, the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) is providing these resources to support smooth implementation. This page will be updated regularly as we approach and pass the July 31, 2026, effective date. If you are a member of Tennessee's food retail community and would like to contribute resources, suggest additions, or submit questions, please contact us.
On December 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved a request from the Tennessee Department of Human Services to operate a two-year demonstration project. This project amends the federal definition of "eligible foods" for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases in Tennessee. Effective July 31, 2026, Tennessee retailers will no longer be able to accept SNAP benefits for certain processed foods and beverages (such as soda, energy drinks, candy, and other items where sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar sweeteners are primary ingredients).
Recognizing the operational challenges these changes present for Tennessee's SNAP-authorized vendors, the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) is providing these resources to support smooth implementation. This page will be updated regularly as we approach and pass the July 31, 2026, effective date. If you are a member of Tennessee's food retail community and would like to contribute resources, suggest additions, or submit questions, please contact us.
Senator Questions DHS About Funding for SNAP Waiver Upgrades
Officials from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, the agency that administers SNAP benefits for more than 700,000 Tennesseans, faced members of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee for their annual budget hearing Wednesday. During their presentation, under questioning from Senator Shane Reeves (R, Murfreesboro), the Department confirmed that they will not be maintaining a list or database of items that will be eligible and ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits when USDA’s waiver for Tennessee goes into effect on July 31.
Human Services Commissioner Clarence Carter also confirmed that the Department will not be appropriated funding to reimburse SNAP retailers who must implement the policy. He stated that he anticipates “grousing” from retailers, but he expects that retailers will figure out how to implement the policy on time. Costs for the data necessary to discern between eligible and ineligible items could run into the millions over the two years of the pilot project.
View the whole interaction HERE.
Officials from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, the agency that administers SNAP benefits for more than 700,000 Tennesseans, faced members of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee for their annual budget hearing Wednesday. During their presentation, under questioning from Senator Shane Reeves (R, Murfreesboro), the Department confirmed that they will not be maintaining a list or database of items that will be eligible and ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits when USDA’s waiver for Tennessee goes into effect on July 31.
Human Services Commissioner Clarence Carter also confirmed that the Department will not be appropriated funding to reimburse SNAP retailers who must implement the policy. He stated that he anticipates “grousing” from retailers, but he expects that retailers will figure out how to implement the policy on time. Costs for the data necessary to discern between eligible and ineligible items could run into the millions over the two years of the pilot project.
View the whole interaction HERE.
Resources
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TGCSA Webinar - What Retailers Need to Know
Recorded January 9, 2026
Recorded January 9, 2026
