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With food banks strained, Tennessee passes on federal help that would feed far more children

By , Special to The Daily Memphian Updated: January 12, 2026 4:00 AM CT | Published: January 12, 2026 4:00 AM CT

Tennessee will not take part in the summer federal food assistance program SUN Bucks, as Gov. Bill Lee let the deadline to sign up pass for a second consecutive year.

The funds would have allotted an extra $120 per child to help feed families who use SNAP or EBT in the summertime, when food banks are the busiest.

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SUN Bucks Bill Lee Mid-South Food Bank London Lamar Lee Harris Subscriber Only

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Noah McLane

Noah McLane is a Tennessee native who is expected to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University in December. He was the editor-in-chief of Sidelines, his student newspaper, and covers topics like local and state government.


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