Tennessee Department of Human Services Ends Healthy SNAP Tennessee Implementation
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced on July 2 that it is ending implementation of the Healthy SNAP Tennessee program. The decision follows a recent U.S. District Court ruling in Washington, D.C., which vacated SNAP waivers granted to five states, including Tennessee.
Before the ruling, Tennessee planned to implement changes to SNAP eligibility beginning July 31 that would have excluded sugary foods and carbonated beverages from SNAP purchases.
In response to the court's decision, TDHS has instructed Tennessee SNAP retailers to:
TGCSA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
For additional details, please review TDHS's message below and the accompanying letter from USDA.
Rob Ikard
President & CEO
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced on July 2 that it is ending implementation of the Healthy SNAP Tennessee program. The decision follows a recent U.S. District Court ruling in Washington, D.C., which vacated SNAP waivers granted to five states, including Tennessee.
Before the ruling, Tennessee planned to implement changes to SNAP eligibility beginning July 31 that would have excluded sugary foods and carbonated beverages from SNAP purchases.
In response to the court's decision, TDHS has instructed Tennessee SNAP retailers to:
- Remove all store signage referencing Healthy SNAP Tennessee or any SNAP purchasing changes associated with the initiative.
- Ensure point-of-sale (POS) systems continue to follow existing SNAP eligibility rules, with no restrictions related to the discontinued waiver.
TGCSA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
For additional details, please review TDHS's message below and the accompanying letter from USDA.
Rob Ikard
President & CEO
Please read the following update from the Tennessee Department of HumanServices regarding Healthy SNAP Tennessee.
Dear SNAP Retailers,
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is discontinuing its efforts to implement the Healthy SNAP Tennessee program. While this specific initiative will not move forward at this time, TDHS remains committed to supporting the health and well‑being of all Tennesseans and ensuring continued access to nutrition assistance.
In support of this change, please take the following immediate actions:
Thank you for your continued collaboration and your commitment to serving Tennessee SNAP customers.
Dear SNAP Retailers,
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is discontinuing its efforts to implement the Healthy SNAP Tennessee program. While this specific initiative will not move forward at this time, TDHS remains committed to supporting the health and well‑being of all Tennesseans and ensuring continued access to nutrition assistance.
In support of this change, please take the following immediate actions:
- Remove all store signage referencing Healthy SNAP Tennessee or any SNAP purchase‑related changes associated with this initiative.
- Ensure that all point‑of‑sale (POS) systems continue to reflect existing SNAP purchase rules, with no restrictions or changes based on the discontinued waiver.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and your commitment to serving Tennessee SNAP customers.
Letter from USDA.
ALERT: Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Waivers in Five States, Including Tennessee
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. — Judge Amy Berman Jackson — has issued a ruling halting implementation of SNAP pilot programs that restrict what items can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The decision applies to Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
What We Know Now
What This Could Mean
USDA is expected to appeal the ruling, but our national partners question how aggressively the Department will pursue it. Depending on USDA’s next steps, this decision could:
Stay Informed
A detailed report is available in Politico. TGCSA will continue monitoring developments closely. Please check the TGCSA SNAP Waiver Resources page for updates as they become available.
What We Know Now
- The Tennessee Department of Human Services had not yet been informed of the ruling when TGCSA contacted them today.
- USDA is expected to brief TDHS tomorrow and provide direction on the future of Tennessee’s waiver.
- We anticipate official guidance for Tennessee SNAP retailers as early as tomorrow.
- Tennessee’s waiver had been scheduled to take effect July 31.
What This Could Mean
USDA is expected to appeal the ruling, but our national partners question how aggressively the Department will pursue it. Depending on USDA’s next steps, this decision could:
- Invalidate Tennessee’s waiver entirely, or
- Delay implementation while the appeal proceeds.
Stay Informed
A detailed report is available in Politico. TGCSA will continue monitoring developments closely. Please check the TGCSA SNAP Waiver Resources page for updates as they become available.
