Tennessee does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026 — for the second consecutive year. Governor Bill Lee declined to submit Tennessee’s intent to participate by the January 1, 2026 deadline, effectively rejecting approximately $84 million in federal funding that would have provided grocery benefits to more than 700,000 Tennessee children during the summer.
Tennessee has the most politically documented and legally contested opt-out decision of any non-participating state in this series. A bipartisan bill (Senate Bill 1911) passed committees in both the Senate and House in March 2026 that would require Tennessee to participate in SUN Bucks every year it is offered — though it arrived too late for 2026 benefits.
Does Tennessee Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Tennessee has not participated in Summer EBT in 2026 or in 2025. Tennessee participated in [current_year-2] (2024), when more than 700,000 children received benefits. Governor Lee then rejected the program for 2025 and again for 2026.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that “Tennessee has not submitted their intent to participate in Summer EBT for 2026.”
Governor Lee’s stated reason: Lee cited rising administrative costs; in 2025 Tennessee spent $5 million to administer the federal program.
The scale of rejection: Lee rejected $75 million–$84 million in federal funds that would have supported a program to add funds to EBT cards for families whose kids receive free or reduced lunch during the school year.
One in five Tennessee children under the age of 18 face hunger — among the higher rates of child food insecurity in the country.
Tennessee’s State-Funded Alternative — Summer Nutrition Initiative
In place of federal SUN Bucks, Governor Lee established a state-funded Summer Nutrition Initiative in [current_year-1] (2025). The governor established a Summer Nutrition Initiative operating in 15 counties, providing 18,000 kids the same per-child funding as the federal program: $120 for each child; in total, the state spent $3 million on the program; hundreds of thousands of children in Tennessee’s other 80 counties, including the state’s urban centers in Shelby and Davidson, weren’t eligible.
The comparison:
- Federal SUN Bucks 2026: Would have reached 700,000+ Tennessee children; ~$84 million in federal funds
- State Summer Nutrition Initiative (2025): Reached 18,000 children in 15 of 95 counties; $3 million in state funds
Instead of serving 700,000 Tennessee children through Summer EBT, TDHS’s program will reach a max of 25,000 children. Despite spending nearly as much as it would take to serve the entire state, the Tennessee program will reach less than 4% of the children that received Summer EBT in 2024.
It remains uncertain whether Governor Lee will reintroduce the state Summer Nutrition Initiative for 2026. Contact TDHS or your county government to ask about local summer nutrition programs.
Senate Bill 1911 — Tennessee May Be Required to Participate in 2026
Senate Bill 1911 passed committees in both the Senate and the House in March 2026; the legislation would require the state to apply for the SUN Bucks program any year it is offered; Sen. Paul Bailey, a Republican from Sparta, pointed out that all of Tennessee’s neighboring states are already participating in the program.
The legislation is moving through the General Assembly with little opposition, though it could run into budget issues as lawmakers need to find about $8 million to draw down federal funds.
State lawmakers are working to make state participation in the program mandatory — “This is recurring dollars that we can look at how we can do this every year as long as the federal government is doing the federal program,” said Rep. Hale. “We need to tap into those funds.”
If SB 1911 becomes law, Tennessee would be required to participate in SUN Bucks beginning in summer 2026. The bill missed the January 1, 2026 deadline for 2026 participation. Check the Tennessee General Assembly website for the current status of SB 1911.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Tennessee Families in 2026
1. Tennessee SNAP — Year-Round Through TDHS
Tennessee SNAP benefits continue year-round through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).
- Apply online: tdhs.tn.gov (Click “Apply for Benefits”)
- Phone: 1-866-311-4287 (TennCare Connect, which handles DHS benefits in Tennessee)
- In person: your local TDHS county office
Check Tennessee SNAP income limits and use the SNAP eligibility estimator to check your eligibility. See how to apply for SNAP in Tennessee for step-by-step guidance.
2. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites across Tennessee during the summer. No EBT card, income verification, or application needed.
How to find a summer meal site in Tennessee:
- Dial 211 — Tennessee 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
3. Tennessee Summer Nutrition Initiative (if operating in 2026)
Governor Lee may reintroduce the state-funded Summer Nutrition Initiative for 2026, which previously operated in 15 counties. Contact TDHS at 1-866-311-4287 or check tdhs.tn.gov to confirm whether the program is operating in 2026 and which counties are included.
4. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Tennessee families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Check Tennessee WIC income eligibility to see if your family qualifies.
5. Tennessee Food Banks
Tennessee’s food bank network provides free groceries and summer programs:
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee — Nashville area; secondharvestmidtn.org
- Chattanooga Area Food Bank — Chattanooga and surrounding areas; chattfoodbank.org
- Midsouth Food Bank — Memphis and Shelby County area; midsouthfoodbank.org
- Appalachian Region — multiple food banks serving east Tennessee
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry or food bank in your area.
6. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Tennessee SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. See LIHEAP eligibility in Tennessee for how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tennessee have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Tennessee has not participated in Summer EBT in 2026 or 2025. Governor Lee declined to submit Tennessee’s intent to participate by the January 1 deadline, rejecting approximately $84 million in federal funding that would have served 700,000 Tennessee children.
Why did Tennessee opt out of Summer EBT?
Governor Lee cited administrative costs — in 2025, Tennessee spent $5 million to administer the federal program. He has not provided additional public explanation. The governor’s office has not responded to reporter questions about the 2026 decision.
What is Tennessee’s alternative to SUN Bucks?
In 2025, Governor Lee launched a state-funded Summer Nutrition Initiative serving 18,000 children in 15 of Tennessee’s 95 counties — less than 4% of the 700,000 children who would have qualified for federal SUN Bucks. It is uncertain whether this program will operate in 2026.
What is Senate Bill 1911?
SB 1911 is a bipartisan Tennessee bill that passed Senate and House committees in March 2026 and would require Tennessee to apply for the SUN Bucks program every year it is available. If passed, Tennessee would participate beginning in summer 2026. Check the Tennessee General Assembly website for current bill status.
What summer food help is available to Tennessee families?
Tennessee SNAP continues year-round. The Summer Food Service Program provides free hot meals to children at community sites statewide — no EBT or income check needed. Tennessee’s food banks provide free groceries. Dial 211 for local resources.
For the national Summer EBT overview and participating states, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Tennessee SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance benefit tool.